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 Vayetze from the book of Genesis. Today’s insight was generously provided by David R.

Verses of note: Genesis 28:10-15

What caught your attention in this parashah?

Verses 28:10-15 caught my attention because of Jacob’s dream. In his dream, there were angels climbing up and down a stairway to the heavens. Then G-d gives the land Jacob is lying on to him and his offspring. He commands Jacob’s descendants to spread to the corners of the earth and back. G-d promises Jacob that he will protect his descendants until they one day return to the Promised Land.

What’s one explanation for these verses?

These verses taught me that sometimes home is somewhere else and that you may have to travel far and work hard to find it. Jacob found a home far from where he was born and originally where his home was. He traveled to find a new home and to start a family. He did this because he felt guilty for taking his brother’s blessing. This teaches me that sometimes when you do something so bad or dishonorable that it is a good idea to turn over a new leaf and start over in someplace new.