As, this Shabbat, we anticipate Tuesday’s celebration of Yom Ha-atzme-ut, Israel Independence Day, we are grateful for Israel and we pray for the day when we will have peace with our neighbors. Reform Movement VP Rabbi Jonah Pesner, now in Israel with their Board, writes of the growing strength and spiritual power of our progressive movement in Israel, the equality work of the Women of the Wall, and the rich arts and culture.  Thank you, Reform leaders, for strengthening our ties with Israel.  As we count the omer today, let us consider our own connection with Israel.

Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha-olam asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al s’firat ha’omer.  Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, who makes us holy with sacred actions and enjoins us to count the omer.

Hayom shmonah asar yom, shehem shnei shavuot v’srba-ah yamim la-omer. Today is 18 days which are two weeks and three days of the Omer.

Wishing you a meaningful omer– Your RS Clergy