Omer
Celebrating Lag Ba’omer, a heroic chapter in Jewish history - opinion
During Bar Kochba’s revolt against the Romans, a terrible epidemic struck Rabbi Akiva’s students, and 24,000 men lost their lives. The epidemic suddenly stopped on Lag Ba’omer.
Lag Ba'Omer 2025 will act as vehicle to express prayers for hostages, soldiers, all Jews - opinion
Lag Ba’omer celebrates life with carob, haircuts, and bonfires - opinion
Counting the Omer: A journey from Passover to Shavuot
Finding the balance: What Jewish law teaches us about avoiding political extremes? - opinion
The liberals are cursing the conservatives; the conservatives are cursing the liberals. Accusations from friends and congregants alike, seeing only the other at fault, blind to our own shortcomings.
Thoughts on Shavuot and the counting of the Omer
Torah is more than the Pentateuch – it’s an expression of the ‘mind of God’
When Jewish holidays can seem like too much, and meaning-making too soon
How can we engage in acts of ritual remembering when we are living in between “they tried to kill us” and “we prevailed?”
Israel’s Independence Day is a time for mourning and celebration - Opinion
Challenging traditional Jewish mourning practices during the Omer, exploring their historical development and significance in Jewish time.
Parashat Tazri’a Metzorah: The value of eight
The number eight, or rather the “eighth day” during this period of time in the Jewish liturgical calendar, gets a lot of attention and invites us to investigate.
A Zionist Omer: Significant days in Israeli history
A proposal for a Zionist counting of the Omer, a purposeful reflection on the significance of just a few of the anniversaries, commemorations, and celebrations in the weeks ahead.
The Omer: Counting the days from Passover to Shavuot
Counting the Omer links us to the words of the Psalms: “Number your days so that you may acquire a heart of wisdom.”
Omer: How to synthesize our relationship with God, people
What are we meant to commemorate and how does it contribute to spiritual growth between Passover and Shavuot?
Israelis take part in Omer Temple ritual offering
The ritual is explicitly mandated in the Bible.
What do ancient coins tell us about Bar Kochba and the Omer period?
The symbolism behind the coins is clearly stated in the ornaments they feature.
How my shingles reminded me every day counts
This is Israel, so everyone is willing to share their interesting life stories with someone like me who is always interested.
