Lag BaOmer & Parshat Emor: Holiness, Revelation, and Unity

Good evening from Jerusalem! It’s Lag BaOmer and Erev Shabbos, Parshat Emor—a perfect moment to reflect on the timeless themes of this special day and this week’s Torah portion.

Holiness in Three Dimensions: World, Time, and Soul

The giving of the Torah at Har Sinai was an event of overwhelming holiness. The mountain was "covered in smoke" — ashan. Our Sages teach that this holiness permeated three essential realms, beautifully represented in the letters of the word ashan:

• Ayin (ע') for Olam — World/Space: Certain places possess unique sanctity—Eretz Yisrael, Jerusalem, Har HaBayit.

• Shin (ש') for Shana — Year/Time: Certain times are inherently holy—Shabbat and the Mo’adim (festivals), as emphasized in this week’s Parsha.

• Nun (נ') for Nefesh — Soul/Man: Certain individuals, especially the Kohanim, are designated to embody and transmit holiness.

The Kohen’s Kedusha: A Legacy of Purity

Parshat Emor begins with detailed commandments for the Kohanim, guiding them in maintaining their elevated state of holiness—including restrictions on coming into contact with the dead. The Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, follows even stricter rules. Why such boundaries? Because, as the Torah says:"Nezer shemen mishchat Elokav alav" — "The crown of the anointing oil of his G-d is upon him."

This legacy of kedusha stems from Aharon HaKohen himself, who epitomized humility and peace: "Ohev shalom v'rodef shalom" — "loving peace and pursuing peace," always striving to see the good in others. His pure and compassionate spirit was the source of his exalted status—a legacy passed on to his descendants.

Lag BaOmer: Revelation of Torah & Soul

Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the Omer, is a day of deep joy, strongly connected with Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who revealed the mystical teachings of the Zohar.

We sing: "Nimsachta" — "You have been anointed," recognizing his unique holiness, likened to that of a Kohen Gadol. What granted Rabbi Shimon this spiritual stature?

• Unwavering Dedication to Torah: He defied Roman decrees, learning Torah in secret for 13 years in a cave. His suffering became a path to spiritual transformation, embodying total devotion to Hashem.

• Yirat Shamayim and Joy: Like the Kohen Gadol entering the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, Rabbi Shimon approached Hashem with deep awe—yet the day of his Hilula is a day of joy, celebrating his soul’s ascent and the secrets of Torah he revealed.

• "Gal einai" — Open My Eyes: The letters Lamed Gimmel (Lag) can be rearranged to spell Gal. Lag BaOmer is a day of revelation, when we open our eyes to the spiritual good around us and draw closer to Hashem.

Seeing the Good in Others: A Lesson from Rabbi Akiva’s Students

Lag BaOmer also marks the end of a tragic plague that claimed the lives of Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students—an event tied to their lack of respect for one another. The cessation of the plague signals a turning point: the essential need to see the good in others and foster genuine unity.

The Optimism of Rabbi Akiva: Ensuring Torah’s Continuity

Rabbi Akiva’s resilience is central to our joy on Lag BaOmer. After the loss of his students, he courageously began again, teaching five new students—including Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai—thus ensuring Torah’s continuity for future generations. His unwavering emunah and commitment to rebuilding Torah inspire us today.

Sefirat HaOmer: From Lowliness to Purity & Unity

Parshat Emor also teaches: "U'sfartem lachem mimacharat haShabbat" — "You shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath," referring to Sefirat HaOmer, the spiritual journey toward Matan Torah.

• The Korban HaOmer: A humble barley offering, marking the start of the harvest.

• Acknowledging Divine Providence: By bringing this offering, we recognize that prosperity comes from Hashem’s hashgacha pratit, not merely from human effort.

• Spiritual Refinement: The 49 days of counting elevate us from impurity to purity, preparing us to receive the Torah.

• Caring for Others: Mitzvot like shikcha and peah—leaving for the poor—remind us to emulate Hashem’s constant care, fostering unity and kindness.

Through Sefirat HaOmer, we grow spiritually, refine our character, and strengthen communal bonds, preparing our hearts to accept the Torah anew.

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s Enduring Legacy

Rabbi Shimon’s very birth was a miracle, after years of his parents’ heartfelt tefillot. One famous story of his wisdom concerns a childless couple seeking divorce. He advised them to part with a joyous feast. During the celebration, the wife—seeing her husband as her greatest treasure—took him home, and their love and dedication were rewarded with a miraculous child.

Rabbi Shimon’s life teaches us: just as he valued Torah above all, so too should we strive to devote ourselves to the sacred Torah, embracing it with love and humility.

A Call for Today

On Lag BaOmer, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai sends us abundant blessings. Let us use this holy day to:

• "Gal einai" — Open our eyes to see the abundant good and blessings in our lives.

• Daven and say Tehillim, connecting with Hashem on a deeper level.

• Foster unity, seeing the good in others and working to dispel discord.

May this Lag BaOmer bring us joy, personal yeshu’ot (salvations), and nechamot (consolations).

All my love from Jerusalem!