Dear Friends,
Last Sunday was Lag BaOmer, a holiday marking the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer. This relatively obscure observance in Reform Jewish circles is a fun-filled day in the middle of a ritual period of counting called “The Counting of the Omer”. This ancient custom is based on the commandment:
“From the day after the Sabbath, the day that you bring the
sheaf of wave-offing, you shall count off 7 full weeks.” – Leviticus 23:15
This biblical mandate to “count the Omer” implores us to count our days for seven weeks from Passover to Shavuot . For generations, these days of counting have come to represent ways of counting our blessings.
This Friday night at HCRJ, we will be counting our blessings as a congregation with a Grand Finale Shabbat marking the end of our year-long 60th Anniversary celebration. This Sabbath celebration is designed to engage members of every age. It will be shaped by fabulous music, a hippie themed oneg, games and activities from the 1960s and the viewing of our 60th Anniversary video which documents the history of HCRJ and the amazing year we have shared to date. Bring the entire family. Babysitting will be available for our children.
Lag BaOmer may have come and gone, but there is plenty of time to count our days and enjoy them to their fullest.
L’Shalom-Steve