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 Vayishlach from the book of Genesis. Today’s insight was generously provided by Jane B.

This Parsha seems disjointed, but seems to focus on Jacob’s fearfulness. God has directed him to return to his homeland and assured him that God will “deal bountifully with you and make your offspring as the sands of the sea…”And, yet, when he sees Esau coming towards him, he scrambles to provide gifts (bribes?) and separate his people and material goods to assure survival. Then we come to the rape of Dinah. When his sons, Shimon and Levi, take retribution, again, Jacob seems more fearful of the consequences of their actions than outraged about what has happened to his daughter.

The Parsha relates the retribution, and it is truly grievous. The question is, was the response by Shimon and Levi appropriate? The Parsha gives contradictory clues, and even some of our greatest sages do not agree. Maimonides sees collective responsibility and, since the entirety of the community turned a blind eye to what happened, they deserve the destruction that befell them. Nachmonides disagrees, and sites Jacob’s criticism at the time and his curse of Shimon and Levi at his death as proof of his argument. The question remains unresolved. While collective responsibility to institute justice is a positive obligation in Jewish law, can it be broadened to apply to entire communities, where the responsibility may not be so clear cut.