Omer Learning 2024

49 Days of Hope and G-d’s Presence

With war raging in Gaza and immeasurable suffering of those impacted, we are using this year’s counting of the Omer as an opportunity to inspire hope and help us feel G-d’s presence in this world.

Join us by sharing stories, resources, experiences and more that have been a source of hope or have helped you feel G-d’s presence in this world. We will be sharing these submissions nightly as we count each day of the Omer.

Participating in this virtual learning program is easy!

First, sign up to receive the Omer Learning e-mails. You can do so by visiting our signup page. If you’ve received past Omer Learning e-mails, then there’s no need to sign up again.

Next, take a few minutes to submit one or more contributions so we can share them during the counting of the Omer.

Submissions are preferred by Friday, April 12th, 2024. However, you can provide a submission any time, including while we are counting the Omer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Omer Learning?
We mark the 49 day time period between the second day of Passover and Shavuot through a practice known as Counting the Omer. The process of counting is relatively simple: you recite a blessing and then note the amount of time that has passed since the count started using a special formula. You can learn more about the practice here. There’s a tradition that we use the 49 day period for spiritual growth. The Omer Learning project honors this tradition.
What kind of submissions are you looking for?
Any story, movie, book, quote, experience, photograph, program, moment–you name it– that brings you hope or helps you feel G-d’s presence is eligible for being submitted.
Does the submission need to relate to Judaism or the Middle East?
No.  If say, there’s a passage from the Torah or an article on the Middle East that has given you a sense of hope, by all means share. But, really, any topic is fair game.
I’m interested in submitting, but I’m stumped. Help.
Drop Ben (chief.gabbai@etzhayim.net) or the Rabbi an email and we’ll be glad to help you.
G-d’s Presence – that sounds deep.  What do you mean by this?
Great question! Here, let me have the Rabbi explain:

Some of us are lucky enough to feel a real connection to God when we’re davening on a Shabbat morning. Others of us have our breaths taken away when we witness natural wonders and think to ourselves, wow, God created that. (In fact, there is even a blessing for that experience!) Others of us feel united with an eternal and overwhelming love when we hug our friends and family.

All of us experience God’s presence in the world differently, though many of us will have overlapping experiences. Whether it be through a feeling of connection to a personal God or an awe-inspiring feeling of wonder that leaves you with goosebumps, or simply the reassurance that there is some powerful good in this world, we want to know what makes you feel that way!

Some of my personal examples include: looking up at the stars on a clear night with no light pollution and feeling struck by the immensity and eternity of the night sky, crying during davening with friends, seeing her wife’s face under the chuppah on her wedding, and holding a newborn baby.

How many submissions can I provide?
Submit as many as you’d like.
How detailed should my submission be?
Submissions are typically just a couple of sentences. In fact, the submission may be as short as a link to a particular website, article, program or YouTube video.  If you’re inspired to write something more lengthy, go for it!
How long are the Omer Learning e-mails?
The Omer Learning e-mails are intended to be short. They’ll outline the daily Omer Count, and include a submission or two..
Will my name be attached to my submissions?
Submissions will carry the name you provide on the form. If you wish to remain anonymous, simply provide ‘anonymous’ as your name when you submit.

Participating Is Easy

Sign up to receive the Omer Learning e-mails. You can do so by visiting our signup form below. If you’ve received past Omer Learning e-mails, then there’s no need to sign up again.

* indicates required

Visit our Omer Learning Tips Submission form. Here you can provide specific suggestions on a number of topics, including: rest, the environment, community equity and assisting animals. These suggestions will power the Omer Learning and will be shared with the community as we make our way through the Omer Learning project.

FAQ

All Omer Learning content is published to our website and to our Facebook page.

We mark the 49 day time period between the second day of Passover and Shavuot through a practice known as Counting the Omer. The process of counting is relatively simple: you recite a blessing and then note the amount of time that has passed since the count started using a special formula. You can learn more about the practice here. There’s a tradition that we use the 49 day period for spiritual growth. The Omer Learning project honors this tradition.
Not at all. This is a great opportunity for the diversity of our community to shine. One person may be eager to share tips about animals, while another may be ready to share suggestions about Shabbat.
Sure. Submit as many tips as you’d like.

Absolutely.  We hope that discussion of the project will inspire submissions, so please share ideas from your family and friends with us.

The Omer Learning e-mails are intended to be short. They’ll outline the daily Omer Count and share one tip or brief aspect about the Shemitah Year.

Not at all. We plan to publish the Omer Learning to both our Facebook Page and Twitter. All entries will also be available on our website.

Submissions will typically carry the first name of the individual or family that submitted it. If you wish to remain anonymous, simply provide ‘anonymous’ as your name.

Yes! Family and friends are encouraged to participate. The Omer Learning project is open to all.

Send an e-mail to chief.gabbai@etzhayim.net or use the form below to submit questions.

Questions?

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