The essence of the intention, in its simplest form, is that we need to know that a human being’s days are counted and numbered, with a number and a count, each and every day. And the person needs to judge and to take stock of him or herself each and every day, that not a single day goes for naught, khas v’shalom (G~d forbid!), that even one hour or minute should go for naught, khas v’shalom.

Excerpts from the commentary on counting the omer from Siddur Li’mot Ha-khol im Perush Et Ratzon, based on the teachings of Reb Nachman of Breslov and his disciple, Reb Nosson
translated by R. Diane Elliot

A wheat field with the sun touching the horizon in a blue sky with cloudsDear Friends ~

As many of you know, each year in the early spring I take up the daily practice of counting the Omer. The counting begins the second night of Passover—this year on Saturday, March 31—and continues for forty-nine days, seven full weeks, until Shavuot, the festival of weeks, beginning this year on the eve of May 19. Shavuot celebrates the receiving of Torah (divine teachings) at Sinai and the covenantal relationship between God and the people.

I first started counting with a group of spiritual companions in 2008, as I was preparing to join my lineage with the lineage of the Jewish people. Each year at this time, I find myself anticipating with joy the sanctuary these daily devotions provide. For me, in addition to reciting the particular blessings for the day, the practice involves writing, as well as contemplative time in natural settings. In and around my daily routines, I weave the writing and extra time in the woods, wetlands or ocean’s edge. As I have come to understand it, the purpose of counting the Omer is to heighten awareness of the love and life force that runs through all, so we may bring this invigorated awareness more fully into our everyday lives. Keyn yihi ratzon. May it be so. 

My book Through the Gates is the culmination of three years writing my way through the seven weeks of the Omer. If you have never taken the journey through the days with me by reading the daily letters and poems in the book, perhaps this is your year. You don’t have to be Jewish or learned in Judaism to learn and grow from the practice of counting your days. 

This year some of the letters and poems in Through the Gates will be posted as part of a fundraising campaign on the Ritualwell website. You may find me there in Days 5,9, 48 and 49, along with writings of many other Omer counters. As far as new musings go, with the help of a few intimates this year I will be working on the next collection of Omer writings. I’ll be using the discipline and support of the practice—and the love of close friends—to further develop (perhaps to finish?) the next book. Most importantly, I will be opening to the wisdom and to the delights that come from enhanced attention to the mysteries and wonders of this life.

Wish me well. As I do you.

Blessings of these holy days~

Susan

PS: If you would like to write in a supportive group of exploring souls this spring, See the Upcoming Events on this page and contact me right away. There is still room in both groups!