USCJ: TPI 5: Making Each Day Count

[X]

http://www.uscj.org/cgi-bin/viewcontent.pl?TPI_5_Making_Each_Da6137.html

Above is the web address to view this page without the USCJ navigation menus and graphics. To imbed code within your existing pages use the code below.

Timely Program Ideas

TPI 5: Making Each Day Count

This period, called the Sefirat ha-Omer (the counting of the Omer) was the time of the barley harvest in ancient Israel. They were days of dread for farmers as they worked to complete the harvest.

The Omer was also looked upon as a time of semi-mourning. The Talmud speaks of the death of 12,000 of Rabbi Akiva's students (Yebamot 62b). As a result, Jews observe mourning customs for part or all of the 49-day period (e.g. weddings are not permitted for at least part of the Omer period).

The Omer can also be seen as a period of dread and of preparation, as we ready ourselves to receive the Torah on Shavuot. Our tradition teaches that each of us was (and will be) at Sinai. Each of us must prepare our own souls to receive God's gift.

We should encourage each Jew in our congregations to observe the counting of the Omer. They should be reminded that the Sefirah period is one of preparation, as each Jew readies himself or herself to receive the Torah.

The Department of Congregational Programming of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has produced a brochure, "Making Each Day Count," which includes questions to be asked each night as an individual, family or larger group count the Omer. These questions force us to examine our lives, rituals and commitments as we count the Omer and prepare for Shavuot.

The brochure has been newly edited and updated and is available from USCJ. Make copies of the brochure and send it to every member of your congregation. Perhaps you might print it on brightly colored paper which will stand out.

Announcements should also be made from the bimah during services and at other synagogue events reminding members both of the importance of this ritual and the ways in which it can enhance their lives.

The discussion questions may be used for both adults and children. They might also provide a lively "starting point" for discussion groups.

In biblical times, the counting of the Omer was marked by an offering of barley at the Temple, thus connecting the ritual to the barley harvest. This connection is also highlighted on Shavuot, the climax of Sefirah, when Megilat Rut, the Book of Ruth, is read in synagogues. Most of the events described in this book occur during the barley harvest.

The Book of Ruth also connects the barley harvest with the requirement to leave the corners of the field uncut. These "gleanings" were to be left for the poor and hungry so that they would have enough to eat.

With the destruction of the Second Temple, all Omer offerings ceased; and as we moved away from an agricultural economy, there were no comers that could remain un-harvested. Yet the poor and the hungry still remain.

This year, encourage congregants -- as part of their counting ritual -- to set aside a box, bag or can of food for the hungry and homeless of the community.

Since the counting of the Omer begins on the second night of Passover, congregants should be informed of the Omer rituals and the food collection in a pre-Passover mailing. Send them the "Make Each Day Count" brochure, together with a flyer describing the food collection. The flyer should inform congregants about the program and the collection and tie it into the ideals exemplified by the Omer and Shavuot.

Congregants should be asked to bring unopened packages of food to a designated place in the synagogue.

Families should be encouraged to have an Omer box in their homes. The message that giving Tzedakah is a personal obligation and that we are obligated to provide for the less fortunate of our community will be visibly brought home (especially to children) if they see their parents place food in the box each night as they count the Omer together.

Religious-school children can also play an important role in the project. They can help in the collection of food and remind their parents about the importance of participation. This project will also enhance children's understanding of their responsibility to observe the ethical mitzvot.

The food should be delivered to local homeless shelters, soup kitchens or other food providers in your community.

Shavuot -- which celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people -- has always been a time of study. Each year, we are encouraged to appreciate anew the wonderful gift given to us by God.

Over the centuries, it has become traditional to spend the entire first night of Shavuot studying the written texts of our tradition. This night of study is called Tikun Leyl Shavuot.

Plan a Tikun Leyl Shavuot in your synagogue. You might want to focus on one of the following subjects:

The circulating library of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is made up primarily of materials provided by affiliated congregations. Please send us descriptions of your successful congregational programs so that we can share them with other synagogues. Send them to the Department of Congregational Programming.

A Computer program (DOS) is available for the Circulating Library. It includes a comprehensive search program and abstracts on every file in the Circulating Library. It will also help to automate the ordering of files.