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ספירת העומר
Sephirat HaOmer - day 33 Hod sh b'Hod
Acknowledging Commitment
- Joy Krauthammer
Sitting in the beauty of acknowledging Splendor of Hod sh b'Hod, at a Lag B'Omer park picnic in musical celebration, it is the first time in my mind that I count forward to the last day deducting the 33 days counted of the Omer. I realize that the days of counting are nearing their end, in two weeks and two days, the finish toward Mount Sinai, now easily in sight. I know it is Lag B'Omer but I don't cut my shaggy hair this day, and will wait until Shavuot even though I forgot to have my usual monthly trim before day One. Because of the day's historical joyousness, this is the day that my parents, z"l, married, and also a friend's parents, z"l. There is meaning in today's date, 18 Iyar. I am so ensconced in the Hebrew dates at this time, I am surprised to hear that May is here in 3 days. After Iyar, it is Sivan and my grand-baby M. Sivan's first birthday.
I have gone to the grocery on Lag b'Omer and bought many goodies, including yummy chocolatey Halavah and the sweetest red strawberries, and cutest baby asparagus and colorful baby peppers and more. Filled with the desire to share, I drive to my sister's home to share goodies, and also to share with an elderly neighbor. I greatly appreciate these beloved people.
© Joy Krauthammer
In the grocery I met Russian immigrant friends with their 13 year old son whom I'm told has not had a Bar Mitzvah, and that mamash greatly saddens me. For a Simcha gift, I had already prepared a meaningful present. Reverberating in my memory is how I used to regularly bring those new friends to synagogue each Shabbat 23 years ago upon their arrival in the 'Goldena Medina'. I made a personal commitment then to help the Russian immigrants discover the Splendor of Judaism in America. Like a Keshet / a rainbow, I remember my commitment to have friends flourish in tradition and faith, something new to them. Caring, still now with the fire of Lag B'Omer, I start to scheme about how I will get a Chabad rabbi to meet the son and inspire him to have a Bar Mitzvah at Torah. In Hod, I breathe deeply. Ken Yehi Ratzon.
Is this counting each day what it felt like for Miriyahm HaNeviah when she sat outside of the tent, while she healed, having the time to spend on herself, to evaluate her actions and purify herself on G*d's time?
BlesSings for being Jewish, gratitude, health, wholeness, peace, revealed miracles, creativity, discovery, wonder, rainbows, fiery heart, love and joy,
JOY
"Serve G*d With Joy"
http://sephirathaomer.blogspot.com
http://sephirathaomer.blogspot.com
Makom Ohr Shalom, Chatsworth, CA
photos and collage © Joy Krauthammer
Lag B'Omer Bonfire
© Joy Krauthammer
Lag B'Omer Bonfire
© Joy Krauthammer
For tomorrow please view the next day's Omer Psalms of My Soul.
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