Parshat Behukotai; Leviticus 26:3-27:34 By Rabbi Denise L. Eger
This week we come to a special moment during this period of counting the Omer. Each day from the second day of Pesach until Shavuot we mark off the days by reciting a blessing and counting the omer. The omer is a measure of grain. In ancient days when the Temple in Jerusalem stood beginning at Passover a measure of barley was offered as a sacrifice. We are told in the book of Leviticus to mark the 49 day period leading up to Shavuot and the celebration of receiving Torah at Mt. Sinai. Thus we recite a special blessing each day. This is a wonderful spiritual practice that can help us focus our thoughts and energies during the spring! But this Friday is the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer known as Lag B’omer. Lag is a Hebrew abbreviation that stands for the number 33—the Hebrew letter Lamed is 30 and the Hebrew letter gimel is 3.
On the 33rd day there are special festivities and unique attributes to the day. The period of counting the omer is a time of restraint. Many of the spiritual disciplines of this period remind us of the restrictions upon mourners. Men traditionally do not shave. The hair is not cut. Parties and weddings are not held. But from a mystical view point these restrictions are really to help us get in touch with our middot or inner traits. Each day is dedicated to helping us sharpen another characteristic within ourselves. Then we will be prepared to more fully meet God at Mt. Sinai and receive the gift of Torah.
These characteristics can also be found in the kabbalistic understanding of God. Seven traits are emphasized during this time. Each one assigned to a day of the week. And each week dedicated to one trait. Thus there are many combinations and permutations of the traits and each day by reciting the blessing and studying and focusing on those kabbalistic Divine traits we can improve our own moral character. The seven traits of the Omer period are Chesed (kindness), Gevurah (Strength), Tiferet (Adornment-but this attribute is really about harmonies kindness and strength), Netzach (fortitude), Hod (majesty or splendor), Yesod (foundation-but harmonies Netzach and Hod), and finally Malchut (kingdom or Shekinah). Each of these aspects of the Divine play a role in helping us as individuals see ourselves in the world in a different way. They are filters by which we can take our actions, words, and thoughts and direct them to a higher plane of existence. Thus during the period of counting the Omer we can learn the beauty of Hod and all the while grounding it in the strong foundation of Netzach. Or we can focus on Chesed kindness buttressed by Gevurah-Strength or strength grounded by fortitude. This is the way we can improve and bolster our moral character.
Tradition teaches that on the 33rd day (Lag B’Omer) the restrictions placed upon us during this time are lifted. It is a day of rejoicing and celebrating—many weddings and parties take place. The true origins are unclear and conflicting information and legends abound. One says that during the time of Rabbi Akiva and the Roman occupation there had been a terrible plaque and that on the 33rd day of this period, the plague ended. Thus we understand the feeling of dread and mourning during the omer and the way in which it is suspended for Lag B’omer. Others teach that this day is the day the Bar Kochba revolt was able to overcome the Roman army. Thus the bonfires and bows and arrows used to celebrate the 33rd day of this period make sense. The bonfires were great signals during a time of war and the soldier scholars fought with bows and arrows. Rabbi Akiba’s students helped to fight back the Romans (even if it was only for a very brief moment).
Yet others cite the visits to Meron—the cave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the traditional author of the Zohar the major book of kabbalah as proof that Lag B’omer celebrates the yarzeit of this great Rabbi. To this day, mystics and students of kabbalah visit the cave of Meron to try to bask in his light. Traditionally it is said that on the day of Shimon bar Yochai death, his house and being was so filled with light because he was revealing the secrets and depth of Torah. Thus the bonfires traditionally lit on Lag B’omer is to remind us of the light of Yohai’s mystical teaching and the Divine and Holy light that filled the world on that day!
There are many other customs associated with Lag B’omer including the Upsherin, which is when a young boy of three first has his hair cut. While others include picnics and campfires and a connection to the outdoors.
So as Lag B’omer approaches this Friday (Sundown on Thursday night) and we know Shavuot—the Festival of the giving of Torah will soon be with us. Let us prepare ourselves for standing at Sinai once again and hearing the Divine voice call to us. Counting the Omer daily helps us to prepare for that day. So count away!
Posted by Aaron at May 21, 2008 09:13 AM
