Blessing
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the counting of the Omer.
Barukh atah, A-donai E-loheinu, Melekh Ha-ʿolam, asher qid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu ʿal S’firat Ha-ʿomer.
Count
Today is day one of the Omer.
Meditation
Exodus 1:6-7
6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
Devotional
Life is fragile and precarious. Joseph helped to save his family and Egypt at the time of famine. There they were fruitful and grew in number like a bountiful harvest. Yet years later his family and people would be enslaved in Egypt by a new king who did not know of Joseph. This king would be troubled by their growth and prosperity. Where do we find ourselves today? Are we living in the “house” and land of another? Has your growth been treated as a threat? During the good years, prepare for the tough years. Plant your seeds now for the lean years in the future.