Counting the Omer

Person marking tally marks on a weathered concrete wall.

The period between Passover and Shavuot marks two kinds of movement through time: the passage of the seven weeks between the barley offering and the first wheat offering at the ancient Temple during these spring festivals, and the transition from slavery to true liberation. On Passover, we leave Egypt, but on Shavuot we receive the Torah, which gives us our purpose as a people, answering the question of the ultimate goal of our collective freedom. For many people, the “counting of the Omer”—these 49 days—provides a time for reflection and growth, often using the seven “lower” emanations of God in the kabbalistic system as spiritual themes for each day and week. Another extraordinary approach offers the opportunity to meditate each day on a biblical woman whose life reflects the mystical qualities associated with that day.

Latest Rituals

“Let holiness fortify your bones, / Fire your nerves, / Enliven your flesh”

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“Let the spark of holiness / And the gift of humanity / Meet in the core of your being”

Abstract painting with layered hues of red, purple, brown, and teal, resembling a landscape scene.

“Be steadfast in your discipline / to living the best life you possibly can”

Abstract painting with swirling shades of pink and purple, featuring three textured circular elements.

Song inspired by the Book of Isaiah

Abstract painting of yellow and green forms on a textured red square canvas.

Praying to access endurance when it seems impossible

Abstract painting with swirling green, blue, pink, and yellow colors forming a textured and vibrant circular pattern.

On giving selflessly

Abstract artwork with a dark, textured shape on a vibrant red and yellow background.

“It took me so long to ask for help”

Abstract painting with swirling shades of orange, pink, and green, resembling a figure on a textured green background.

Finding compassion within compassion

Abstract painting with swirling gray, purple, and yellow colors on a textured yellow square canvas.

Meditation on nobility of spirit within lovingkindness

A textured abstract painting with earthy tones and intersecting lines.
A poem acknowledging we each have divine gifts.
Silhouetted wildflowers against a mountain backdrop during a sunset.

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