Week Five
In 2021 following the Aristocratic Majority view on when to start counting, we began Counting the Omer on Nisan 22, the day of Resheit or Firstfruits and also Resurrection Sunday (Easter.) On the Gregorian Calendar this was April 4th, 2021. Accordingly the fifth week of counting begins on the 29nd day of the Omer, May 1 at sundown. Week five concludes on the regular Sabbath, which begins Friday May 7th, 2021 in the evening and ends at sundown May 8th.
Historical context B.C.E.
Let’s again review the journey taken by the children of Israel as they made their famous Exodus from slavery in Egypt led by their deliverer Moses during the counting of the Omer until they arrived at Mount Sinai where God gave to them the Torah. During Week Four we saw that they traveled from Elim to the Sea of Reeds. At the beginning of Week Five we find them about to leave here to continue their journey to Sinai:
Day 29 They left the Sea of Reeds and journeyed to the Wilderness of Sin which is between Elim and Sinai. [Exodus 16:1] Everyone grumbled against Moses and Aaron because they were hungry. God tells Moses about His plans to provide food and to test them to see whether or not they will follow His instructions. Then the Glory of God appeared in a cloud to the people. [Exodus 16:2-12]
Day 30 At evening Quail covered the camp for meat and in the morning Manna was on the ground for bread. Instructions were given about gathering the Manna – one Omer per person – no more no less - is to be gathered each day and they were not to keep any until the following day. Some of the people gathered more than they were supposed to and some tried to keep it till the next day. This did not work out to well. [Exodus 16:13-21]
Day 34 But on the sixth day (the day before the Sabbath), they were to gather a double portion one for that day and one for the following day, since they were not to gather any on the Sabbath. [Exodus 16:22-23]
Day 35 Nevertheless, some went out to gather Manna on the Sabbath though there was none to gather. So the people rested on the Sabbath. [Exodus 16:24-30]
And so in the 5th week after they were delivered from Egypt the Israelites learned how they were to eat for the forty years until they reached the border of Canaan to cross over into the promised land.
Historical context in the C.E.
What about the period during the 50 days following Yeshua’s Death and resurrection? In Week Five Yeshua’s talmadim were likely in Galilee and probably occupying themselves while they were waiting for Yeshua to appear as he had promised by fishing.
Day 29-35 Yeshua is known to have appeared on several occasions and that he appeared in the flesh – as his own words attest. “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” [Luke 24:39] We know that at some point He directed the disciples to go to the Mount of Olives where he would meet with them prior to his ascension. “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. [Matt 28:16] Being observant Jews and obedient to Torah, we must assume that they were faithfully counting the Omer as commanded by Moses.
Present context in 2021 C.E.
The world is experiencing what appear to be the birth pangs prophesied as a sign of Messiah's return. (Isa 26:17-18; Matt 24:8; 1Thess 5:3; Rev 12:1-2) A worldwide pandemic has swept over the earth and millions are told to stay in their homes to escape the pestilence. Economic conditions threaten to descend to near depression-like conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world. Hunger is wide-spread in the developing nations with more than nine million deaths due to starvation each year. Wars and rumors of wars persist and the earth seems to be propelled toward global world government and a one-world religion.
Just this past week as the orthodox Jewish communities in Israel were celebrating Lag B'Omer a great tragedy occurred. Why were they already celebrating Lag B'Omer you might ask? Well, the answer is that using the Hassidic majority view, their progress in counting the Omer is six days ahead of those of us who use the Aristocratic majority view. So, on Thursday night, the horrific report came that at least 45 people had died in a stampede at a massive Lag B’Omer (see below) celebration in Israel’s Mount Meron. Many faith leaders in Israel were faced with a dilemma. Could they possibly address the tragedy while still having a celebration, especially in a difficult year like this one? We must recognize that tremendous stress has gripped the little nation of Israel in the past year. Loss of the critical tourism component in their economy, severe lockdowns, political uncertainty and divisiveness as well as many false reports the the Messiah he'd been crowned during Passover. As we progress in our count-up to Shavuot, we must keep Israel in our prayers, remembering that Paul himself declared that "All Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26) and that the number of Jews coming to a saving knowledge of Messiah Yeshua has never been greater than at the present time. This is a most exciting time to be alive!
Lag B'Omer
Lag B'Omer is observed on the 33rd day of the Omer (Lag' has a numerical value of 33.) This day marks the death of the great first century Talmudic sage, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai also known by his acronym, Rashbi. Lag B’Omer is a day of great celebration, because tradition says that on his deathbed Rabbi Shimon revealed deep secrets, which formed the basis of the Zohar, the chief book of Jewish mysticism (kabbalah).
According to the Bnei Yissaschar, on the day of his death, bar Yochai said, "Now it is my desire to reveal secrets... The day will not go to its place like any other, for this entire day stands within my domain..." According to tradition, daylight was miraculously extended until he had completed his final teaching and died. As such, the custom of lighting fires on the anniversary of his death, yom hillula, symbolizes this revelation of powerful light. For centuries, Lag B'Omer has been a day of pilgrimage to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon in the Galilee town of Meiron. In one day, an estimated 250,000 Jews visit Meiron – dancing, praying, and celebrating the great spiritual insights that Rabbi Shimon gave to the world. Many people arrive early and camp out for days beforehand in anticipation.
To celebrate Lag B'Omer, Jews from around Israel light bonfires, to commemorate the great mystical illuminations that Rabbi Shimon revealed. For weeks before, Israeli children scavenge wood to arrange as impressive sculptures made of this firewood – often 20 and 30 feet high. Great public celebrations are held and the wood structures are then ignited on Lag B'Omer.
Week Five of the Omer represents Hod – Humility
According to Jewish Mystical tradition, or Kabbalah, the fifth week of counting the Omer focuses on the Hebrew Concept Hod – “humility” and also “gratitude”. Hod is a noun taken from the root of the Hebrew word "hoda'ah". It literally means "splendor" but as a verb means both "to confess" and "to thank." Although gratitude and humility seem like very different concepts, we can see how pride, which is the opposite of humility, actually will prevent us from being grateful because gratitude attributes credit to a source other than our self. However, Hod should not be confused with weakness and lack of self-esteem. It can also be considered modesty or acknowledging that your strengths and abilities were given to you by God for a higher purpose than satisfying your own needs and desires.
Charge for week five
A common tradition is to begin the day with the words “Modeh Ani”, which means “I thank you.” In saying this we express gratitude towards God, and simultaneously see ourselves as His creations. So let us begin humbly giving thanks acknowledging God, who is the source of our strength and makes possible everything we achieve! May we daily achieve greatness for His sake.
Go to Counting the Omer 2020 - Day Twenty-nine
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