Last night began Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer. It is the day of celebration in the midst of the traditional undertone of semi-mourning during the Omer. This day is the day the plague ended among the students of Rabbi Akiva (according to legend). Rabbi Larry Kushner used to teach that there is no such thing as coincidences; all events are connected in a holy timetable. If you believe this, then it is no surprise that some restrictions have lifted this week, coinciding with Lag B’Omer. Our virus levels are down and our vaccination numbers are slowly but surely going up. We are beginning to decrease the impact of our plague.
The Talmud tells us to show gratitude for surviving the plague. This Sunday, we will celebrate gratitude at Shir Haneshama, our Mussar Sacred Song Circle. We will be singing new melodies composed for the occasion. You can hear a clip of one of the songs of thanksgiving above.
Aside from gathering and singing, Talmud tells us to also do good for others. Shabbat 33b teaches: Rabbi Shimon said: Since a miracle transpired for me, I will go and repair something for the sake of others in gratitude for God’s kindness.’ The rabbis then go on to detail what they did for the community. ‘Rav said: Jacob established a currency for them. And Shmuel said: He established marketplaces for them. And Rabbi Yoḥanan said: He established bathhouses for them. In any event, clearly one for whom a miracle transpires should perform an act of kindness for his neighbors as a sign of gratitude. ‘
As we begin to emerge from the worst of our plague, on this 33rd day of the Omer, let’s consider what we can do for our community to express our gratitude for surviving. We are re-entering a world that needs kindness, compassion, and equity. During the pandemic, we helped our neighbors--let’s continue that post-pandemic. Some of us got involved in alleviating food insecurity, or fighting racism--our communities still need that help. Perhaps there is a skill you learned during the lockdowns that you can use to enhance your neighborhood, or society at large.
This Shabbat, come celebrate Lag B’Omer with CMT, together, in joy, song, and dance, with Joshua Nelson tonight, our lay-led service tomorrow morning, and Shir Haneshama: Mussar Sacred Song Circle on Sunday.
May your Shabbat be filled with acts of gratitude,
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Marcia Plumb
