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 Behar, Bechukotai from the book of Leviticus. Today’s insight was generously provided by Ben S.

Verses of note: Leviticus 26:3 – 26:46

What caught your attention in this parashah?

One of portions, Bechukotai, contains one of the two Tocheichahs found in the Torah. A Tocheichah is a series of surprisingly vivid curses the Jewish people should expect if they stray from G-d’s commandments. These curses come immediately after an equally vivid set of blessings we can expect if we adhere to G-d’s laws.

That we have a Tocheichah makes sense. Bechukotai closes out the book of Leviticus, which is filled with laws. What clearer way is there to emphasize how important it is to follow these laws than to, well, put the fear of G-d in us for straying from them.

Here’s the question: if the Tocheichah, and the blessings that precede it are so clear a message from G-d, why aren’t they central to our prayers? Why has the Tocheichah been relegated to being hastily, and quietly chanted once a year and not something we recite daily?

What’s one explanation for these verses?

On one level, there’s a simple truth to this section of Bechukotai: our actions matter. Perhaps, the Rabbis understood this, but also understood that a listing of blessings and curses wasn’t an especially helpful guide for living. Focusing only outcomes would mean living an impossibly erratic life; a life of fear that any sign of hardship means you’ve deviated from the true path.

Instead, the Rabbis have provided us with a blueprint we can follow regardless of life’s ups and downs. One where thoughtful behavior trumps blinding chasing an ideal outcome.