Well, during the Omer, we're doing just the opposite—counting up to something incredible…
That is… Shavuos, the anniversary of the giving of the Torah.
Every year on Shavuos, we relive the original divine experience…
G-d descends closer to us becoming even more accessible, relatable, and present in our lives…
So we’re counting “up” towards Him, as it were…
But besides for great anticipation, there’s a deeper spiritual significance of counting the Omer…
Because counting the Omer is like a “spiritual reboot” for our souls.
In fact, each week of the Omer we explore a different character trait, such as kindness, discipline, and compassion…
And while we can’t master all these traits in just a few weeks (that's a lifelong journey) …
What we can do is focus on infusing each trait one by one—with the G-dly intention of humbling ourselves…
Because it’s only through humility that we become receptive vessels for the divine…
And that’s how you truly embrace the wisdom of the Torah… with an open heart.
As you do this, you create a world that's more G-dly, warm, and inviting—a world where He feels right at home, sharing it with us.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks as I’ll share practical ways to strengthen your character and cultivate humility in your daily life.
Counting on you (and the Omer),
Rabbi Manis Friedman.