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 Vayakhel, Pekudei from the book of Exodus. Today’s insight was generously provided by Isabel, Rachel and Mike
Verses of note: Exodus 35:5, 20-21, 27
What caught your attention in this parashah?
In early January 2018, State Farm ran a commercial set in a homeless shelter/soup kitchen with the message, “The season of giving ends, but the need remains.” This is a universal truth that unfortunately is often forgotten once a holiday has passed. In Parshat Vayakhel, Moses imparts Hashem’s directions for the building and adorning of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The fifth sentence of the parsha begins, “‘take from yourselves a portion for Hashem, everyone whose heart motivates him shall bring it….'” This theme about heart and spirit being motivated and inspired to contribute to the endeavor of the Mishkan repeats many times.
What’s one explanation for these verses?
The idea of doing things because of one’s own initiative and not because one is called to action by society jumped out at us in this day and age of organized community service at holidays. For example, around Halloween, donations of candy for military troops are ubiquitous; on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s become common for people to engage in a day of community service; in April, one can volunteer as part of a Sukkot in April brigade, or more recently, Good Deeds Day. All who take part in any of these efforts should be commended, but why stop there? A commentary by Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar (18th c.) to the parsha illustrates the point. It explains that there were two types of givers: first, there were those whose spirit motivated them to give what they could afford voluntarily and wholeheartedly. But there was an even nobler category of people, whose heart inspired them to do more than they could afford, so great was their desire to share in the building of the Tabernacle.
Treat everyday as if it is a holiday. Everyday is a good day for giving charity, and that should not be put aside for “special” days. People are in need all the time, and they are in need the most when it is not a holiday. We should not look over the fact that people in need are always going to be here (unless something happens and the world gets blown up), so we need to get our heads out of the clouds and focus on what matters most. Who knows, maybe the kindness we give will make a big effect and something amazing will happen.