Shavuot has slowly been creeping up on us as we count the days until we receive the Torah. In sefer Bamidbar, there is a lot of counting! The Jews are counted by different groups and as a whole many times. Rashi points out that the reason the Jews are counted multiple times is because of Hashem’s love for us.
Could it be that the Omer is also showing our love for Hashem? When we count the days leading up to the Torah, we are increasing our anticipation. We are showing Him that we can’t wait; we are counting the days just like a little kid would count the days until summer break. What is so special about this closeness to the Torah?
When we receive the Torah it symbolizes our unity with Hashem. We are saying, we trust You Hashem, and will act according to what you will say. We also see Hashem choosing us! We can learn this from Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who used to say that the Jews together are a Torah scroll and each Jew is a letter in the scroll. Hashem chose each one of us and continues to choose us every day. Just like Hashem counted us in the desert to show he cares, giving us the Torah, with each one of us being a letter, is showing that as well.
Each letter of the Torah is important, but if one letter is missing, it becomes not kosher. As Jewish people, we all have a purpose and connection with Hashem in this world. Through the Torah and being together with all of our letters—all the Jewish people—we can get close to Hashem. I give you all a bracha that you should feel the love of Hashem and should get close to Him. You should all feel Hashem guiding you through your purpose in life and realize how special you are to have Him and the Torah. Hashem loves you!
By Shira Sedek
