P arshas Emor

“And you should count for yourself from the morrow of the Shabbos… they shall be seven complete weeks.” (Vayikra 23:15)

It’s interesting to note that when the Torah refers to the holiday of Shavuos it doesn’t use the name that commemorates giving the Torah — but rather the name that refers to the weeks leading up to the Yom Tov.

The Zohar explains that the purpose of the Yom Tov is contingent on the counting on the preparation as we purify ourselves to receive the holy Torah. (Rav Elya Lopian Lev Eliyahu)

The joys of boys. There’s no time that encapsulates my lifestyle of snails and puppy dog tails as much as the weeks leading up to Lag B’omer.

For an Israeli cheder kid Lag B’omer is “m’ain olam haba ” and they’re makpid on the Chazal that whoever prepares for the event will reap the enjoyment. My garden is often used as headquarters. Boys of all ages park their bikes and rush to join the action. My oldest son becomes general since he’s landlord and his loyal staff is comprised of his brothers and any other boy in the vicinity.

For days they’re busy schlepping beams old wicker chairs skids and any other combustibles to contribute to the growing pile under the apple tree.

Every afternoon as the sun begins its descent they survey their progress hands shoved in pockets their stance as proud as a pirate gloating over his booty.

I enjoy it finding myself drawn into their excitement as each day passes.

The students of Rav Yisrael Salanter utilized this time period spending each day working on one of the 48 ways to acquire Torah [listed in Pirkei Avos]. On Erev Shavuos they’d review all 48.

Acquiring Torah is very different than learning Torah. One who knows Torah is likened to the trusted housekeeper of a rich man who knows all the details of the estate. However he doesn’t own the estate unless he bought it. Torah knowledge is not enough; you have to follow the steps to actually acquire Torah. (ibid.)

After elaborate discussions and inventory counting the canvassing is judged complete and it’s time to swing into construction.

These kids are budding engineers and architects. Pulleys are rigged and measurements taken; cooperative teamwork shapes hours of sweaty toil.

“You know what?” My son throws himself across the couch exhausted after a day spent on the construction site. “There are some boys who make their little brothers work and they just give orders. But what’s the point?” His forehead creases in concentration as he thinks. “The point is building not bossing! Tomorrow we’re planning to finish and we’re gonna work!” His grin clearly indicates his pride in the progress.

The Ksav Sofer asks: Why does it say “Count for yourself?” Isn’t the word “yourself” superfluous? Yet this reiterates the previous concept that we must utilize these days of preparation to become deserving of accepting the Torah.

Similarly Hashem said to Avraham (Bereishis 12:1): “Go for yourself.” Rashi comments “This travel is for your benefit.”

This ties in as well with the end of the pasuk: These weeks need to be tamim — we must be complete and pure in all our deeds. (Ksav Sofer)

The night air is cool as I stand with other mothers surveying the tall pyramid of sticks and beams their tips stretching toward the inky black sky. It’s clear which mothers have sons involved. We’re the ones anxiously eyeing the tall pile holding our breaths as the torch is lit and then staring memorized as the flames leap to the sky illuminating the night.

All too quickly it’s over. What took weeks of work lasts less than an hour.

I always feel let down worn out from building toward a crescendo then having it all destroyed so quickly. I’m depleted watching my sons’ weeks of work disappear in a cloud of ash.

But my little guys have a better outlook on things.

“Didja see that Ma?” They dance around throwing their sooty little arms around me fueled with the power and performance of their precious labor.

“This year was the highest ever! We built it till the sky! And those beams were so heavy! And next year we’re gonna…”

And they’re falling over themselves planning and reliving and enjoying the thrill of accomplishment of every moment.

Today’s the 33rd day of the Omer. The time is now. The time is mine. (Originally featured in Family First Issue 541)