Count it forward with me: Today is 16 days of the Omer
by Sybil Sanchez, COEJL Director
When I started working with non-profits, I figured that the contribution of my blood, sweat, and tears to the cause was enough. I didn’t feel the need to make a financial donation. Yet today, the single largest gift I make is to my own organization.
How did I go from one extreme to the other? In fact, today is 16 days of the Omer, and that has a lot to do with it!
The Omer tracks the 49 days during which we wandered in the desert until the Torah was revealed to us on Mount Sinai. It also refers to the measurement of barley that was brought to the Temple daily in lead up to the first harvest, which falls on Shavuot, which is the 50th day.
Counting each day represents our spiritual preparation in anticipation of receiving the Torah and reminds us of our relationship with Creation.
Here is where the connection lies. When I initially resisted giving, I was acting like the wicked child that we read about on Passover. I didn’t see why I should give to them, because I didn’t see that they, in fact, were us.
Now several years later, I give joyfully. I understand that contributing to COEJL is my own expression of fulfilling the Torah by seeking to protect Creation as best I can.
Giving makes me feel part of the greater good toward which I am working, brings me closer to others who give to COEJL, and inspires me to feel hope in the face of the grave human challenges we encounter in climate change, environmental degradation, and dependence on fossil fuels.
Most people know about paying it forward – in appreciation for our good fortune, we give back by helping others to also do well. This month, Jews get to count it forward as we invest our Omers in anticipation of revelation. We know that we are still in the desert, dependent on subsistence from a Force greater than us, but we also know that it is incumbent upon on us to keep counting forward.
A contribution to COEJL is an investment in our shared action as Jews to protect Creation and reflects our belief that we can make a difference. Today is 16 days of the Omer, will you count forward with us by donating now?
