The New Shul

Parshat Emor

In this week’s parashah, Emor, we read about the mitzvah of counting the omer. Beginning on the second night of Pesah, we count off each day for a total of seven weeks, until we reach Shavuot, the day on which we received the Torah on Mount Sinai.

Counting the omer has a way of making us intensely aware of time passing, and of the preciousness of each day. Perhaps that is the point. In Psalm 90, we ask God to “teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” There is no greater wisdom than the recognition that our time is limited, that each day that passes is irreplacable. That recognition opens our hearts and sensitizes us to our obligations in this world. It attunes our ears to hear God’s call. In that way, counting our days truly brings us closer to Mount Sinai.

  • Shabbat services at The New Shul are on Friday evenings from 6 to 7 pm and on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon. The kiddush this Shabbat, May 3, is sponsored by Michael and Jennie Kronenfeld in memory of Jennie’s mother, and by Scott Berlant in celebration of his birthday.
  • Childcare is available from 10 am to 12 noon on Shabbat mornings.
  • Minyanim during the week are on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am and Wednesday mornings at 7 am.
  • Join us for our Tikkun Leil Shavuot, our all-night study vigil on the night of Shavuot, Tuesday June 3 beginning at 9 pm. TheTikkun will end with morning prayers outdoors at sunrise on Wednesday morning.
  • The New Shul is collecting food donations for “Just Three Things,” to help young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. Please bring packaged items that are either ready-to-eat or require only microwave preparation. Contact usto arrange a drop-off time.