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 forty five days, which is six weeks and three days of the Omer.
Meditation
Exodus 20:12
12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Devotional
For years, I understood this commandment as referring to my immediate father and mother. But the command is to remember our ancestors. Israel was to remember the stories and promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. When we lay aside our fighting with each other, we will see and understand what is truly important. We will see who has always been there for us to support and care for us. We must learn to respect those who have come before us trailblazing and sacrificing for future generations to grow and thrive. They are our source of wisdom. In their lives we see how to live by faith and work. Their lives are priceless examples and experiences waiting to be harvested for wisdom and guidance. Abram and Sarai had no children until they believed God’s promises. Remember to respect and pay honor to your parents and ancestors who can lead you into the fulfillment of God’s promises. One day you will be the ancestor the next generation will look up to.