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 Pinchas from the book of Numbers. Today’s insight was generously provided by Laura J.

Verses of note: Numbers 29

What caught your attention in this parashah?

This portion bearing the name of Pinhas begins with his ascendancy to the priesthood as a reward for his zealotry in killing an Israelite along with the Moabite woman with whom he was consorting. (This incident was actually recounted in the previous parasha.) After this early mention of Pinhas, he disappears and the parasha continues with reports of the census taken of the Israelites and with a very long section outlining the sacrifices prescribed for the Children of Israel.

One side story related to the census is the wonderful tale of the daughters of Zelophehad, who having no brothers, appealed to Moshe to be permitted to inherit their portion upon the death of their father. Moshe’s favorable ruling on their behalf was inspired by God and was major step ahead for women’s rights at that time, although specifically limited to that case. It is reasonable that I, a woman, was particularly attracted to these verses.

What’s one explanation for these verses?

While reading about the required sacrifices, I was struck by how much this section resembled a recipe booklet or a menu with wine pairings. The specific sacrifices for Shabbat and for each of the holidays are enumerated and described, with the appropriate wine accompaniments. Many of these offerings are on behalf of the community, but personal sacrifices may be made as well. Since the sacrificial system is no longer part of our modern-day experience, it is an alien concept to me.

I wondered if one was required to make these offerings in times of famine, as well as times of plenty, and what would be the consequences of failure to provide the prescribed sacrifices. Just as there are those today who assuage their own guilt over questionable business practices by making significant contributions to Jewish causes, were there those in ancient times who believed that the sacrifices were a replacement for moral behavior toward their fellow man and woman? Much of this parasha is outside of the realm of our present day customs, but it does provide some valuable historical insights and raises questions which are relevant even today.