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 Toledot from the book of Genesis. Today’s insight was generously provided by Ellie R.

Verses of note: Genesis 25:19 – 28:9

What caught your attention in this parashah?

My Torah portion is Toldot. In that parsha, there are two very different brothers, Jacob and Esau. Instead of embracing their differences and caring for each other, they fought. At one point in the story, Esau comes home from hunting outside, famished. Jacob had a pot of stew but refused to give him any. Instead, he offered a deal. In exchange for some stew, Esau would have to give Jacob his birthright, a special blessing given only to the firstborn. Esau, without thinking of the repercussions of this deal and too hungry to think, agreed.

What’s one explanation for these verses?

That brings me to my main point. Instant gratification. We live in a world where everything is as fast as possible. Fast food restaurants, EZpasses, high speed data. Sometimes, we forget to stop and contemplate our choices. Is it really worth giving up your birthright for some stew? Esau could have gotten something himself or asked his parents for food. There were many other ways he could have sated his hunger without giving up his birthright if he had just stopped and thought for a minute. Instead, without thinking ahead, he traded it. Sometimes we forget to consider the consequences of our actions. This story teaches us to stop and think instead of making decisions instantly which we may later regret.