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 Devarim from the book of Deuteronomy. Today’s insight was generously provided by Noa A.

Verses of note: Deuteronomy 1:12, 17

What caught your attention in this parashah?

What caught my attention:

1. Chapter 1 Verse 12 – “How can I bear your trouble, your burden, and your strife all by myself?”

2. Chapter 1 Verse 17 – “You shall not favor persons in judgment; [rather] you shall hear the small just as the great; you sall not fear any man, for the judgement is upon the Lord, and the cause that is too difficult for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.”

What’s one explanation for these verses?

One explanation:

1. What struck me about this verse is the acknowledgement that no individual is able to carry the burden of others. Due to this, there was an established heirarchy of leadership created to deal with the issues of man from a collective stand-point. How many people try to carry the secrets or strife of others? How often do we struggle to do so without the help of our peers? And how much easier is life when we seek aide from those around us?

2. The second selected verse stood out because we are instructed as a People to treat everyone equally, no matter one’s socioeconomic status. And, we are assured that we should fear no man, because though individuals hold a seat of authority or may be selected in the hope that he or she has attained more wisdom than the masses, they are incapable of casting true judgement over their brethren. The only one who holds that level of power is the Lord.