Instructions for counting the omer are found on our Omer Overview Page. You can find the specific blessing for today at chabad.org.

We’re dedicating a new Sefer Torah on the first day of Shavuot. In honor of this joyous occasion, we’re using the counting of the Omer to take a whirlwind trip through the Torah

Today’s portion is Va’eira from the book of Exodus. Today’s insight was generously provided by Nancy P.

Verses of note: Exodus 6:2 – 9:35

What caught your attention in this parashah?

In this parsha G-d works with Moses and Aaron through a series of wonders and plagues to convince Pharoah to let his people go. What I am drawn to is the character or character flaws of Moses. He doesn’t think he can do the job, even with the endorsement of G-d. He doubts himself and he thinks he is not up to the task. There may be some basis in truth in Moses’ view. It was the case that he did not win over the Jewish people at first and it could not have helped that he believed himself to be “tongue tied”.

But we could look at Moses another way, as a realistic and humble person who ultimately triumphed through collaboration. He was not the classic hero, doing the mighty deeds all alone. He needed G-d and he needed his brother. I too, am often reluctant to accept a new or challenging responsibility. My first instinct is to say, better get someone else. And like Moses, I have been lucky that I have family and friends who will encourage me and support me in many of my endeavors. I prefer leaders and people in general who do not always go from strength to strength. I admire and relate to people who can acknowledge that they have made mistakes and have tried to learn from them. It seems to me that most great work involves working with others in some way.

What’s one explanation for these verses?

In spite or perhaps because of these flaws, in our tradition Moses is held up as a great leader. Rav Soloveitchik , one of our most profound twentieth century Jewish thinkers wrote an influential essay entitled “Who is fit to lead the Jewish people? Moses comes out on top precisely because he is a reluctant leader not a power hungry one. The Torah teaches us that we need not be perfect to be a good leader. Moses’ flaws do not allow him to rise to a position of hero worship. He never presented himself as the one and only. The Jewish people knew that he worked in concert with G-d and with Aaron.