Emuna means that Hashem loves us! Often, people who are seemingly baalei emuna get stuck at “It is Hashem’s will”. They don’t move on to the deep emuna that brings about true joyfulness. Our efforts during Sefirat HaOmer can help move us in the right direction.
Our main work during Sefirat Ha’Omer in preparation for receiving the Torah is to improve interpersonal relationships. It's important to set aside time for prayer for Am Yisrael and to do acts of kindness. How can we energize ourselves to do that when we already have a packed daily schedule?
In the past, nations - especially the daughters of royalty - cherished the trait of modesty. They honored modesty and realized that it represented self-respect. Similarly, Jewish women wear the crown of royalty (modesty).
Acquiring the Torah is a daily task, not a one-time event. We will count 50 days from Pesach to Shavuot to refine our middot, but the work never ends. That's what is so beautiful about life. One is always moving forward, improving oneself, discovering new things.
Oh no, we have less than a week until Shavuot! I need to get my grocery list ready for major shopping. What kind of dairy course should I serve? I absolutely must find a new outfit... WAIT!! Rabbi Arush explains that the REAL preparation is in the heart. Also read about Rabbi Palagi's segula for Erev Shavuot.
During these days before Shavuot, we count each day toward personal growth. The change that we make in ourselves depends on the small, “unimportant” steps that we make each day. How can we avoid discouragement when we don’t see results from one day to another?
Is there any significance that Israeli Independence Day is on 5-Iyar? YES, says the Vilna Gaon! This date is closely tied to Mashiach and the Final Redemption. Let's not pass up this golden opportunity to pray especially hard for both!
In life we have to count. When we want something, we wait and count, we set goals and count. Counting is a part of life.
Observing the commandments between man and fellow man must be every person's highest priority all year long - especially so during the Counting of the Omer.
Rebbe Natan teaches that any person can receive his personal Torah any day he wishes, even every day! Like Moses, he ascends his own mountain…
One of our biggest hurdles in navigating human relationships is the area of communication. How can we master the single, most important key to success in this area?
What would you want from your friend in a difficult time? You would want him to stand strong and stick with you. This is what Hashem wants from us...