An Open Hand

This week’s Torah commentary features a video presentation by Rabbi Russ Resnik on the tradition of Sefirat ha-Omer, or counting the Omer, based on Leviticus 23:15-16.

You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering. You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the Lord.

This 49-day count begins during Passover, and brings us to Shavuot, providing a rich connection that heightens the meaning of both holidays. Our deliverance from Egypt isn’t complete until we arrive at Mount Sinai and receive the Torah. Messianic Jews see additional meaning in this transition: Messiah’s crucifixion and resurrection during Passover reach their fulfillment when the ascended Messiah pours out his Spirit upon his followers at Shavuot.

The UMJC keeps the tradition of counting the Omer alive with a communal prayer drive each year. This year’s prayer focus is “An Open Hand,” reflecting our concern for the poor and needy, especially during this time of pandemic and crisis. Our open hand to the poor reflects the open hand of God toward us and all his creation, as it is written: “You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:16).