Themes
Making Time Count: The Message of Counting the Omer
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Change your life with the 48 Ways -- A Way a Day!
Starting with the second day of Passover, we "count the Omer" each day, leading up toward Shavuot and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Rabbi Aaron Kotler said that the method of preparing to receive the Torah is to study the "48 Ways to Wisdom." This comes from the Talmud (Avot 6:6) which states that "the crown of Torah is acquired by 48 Ways." Each of these 48 Ways is a special tool to help sharpen our personal skills and get the most out of life.
In order to attain pleasure, in order to accomplish goals, you have to master and apply the tools that the Almighty gave you. You want to be successful in business? Use the 48 Ways. You want to be a good student? Use the 48 Ways. You want to win gold in the Olympics? The 48 Ways will get you there.
Use it for whatever you want out of life. Focus on your goal. Know what pleasure you're living for. Otherwise you're going to be a multi-millionaire -- and miserable. Keep your eye on the ball -- and the 48 Ways will get you there.
Repairing Character
The Sages say that our souls have been sent into this world for no other reason than to repair character flaws. This repair is therefore our primary purpose in life.
The Sefer HaChinuch (14th century Spain) says that we were freed from Egypt only in order to receive the Torah and to fulfill it. Though the Exodus made us physically free, it is through receiving the Torah that we attain authentic freedom of discipline.
Each of these 48 Ways is a step along the process -- addressing a different aspect of our spiritual and moral character: speech, patience, concentration, laughter, leadership, sensitivity, humility, diligence, friendship, joy, etc. Our goal is to define and balance each one of these.
Upon completing the 48 Ways, the 49th step is an overall review. A key to spiritual growth is the realization that greatness requires constant maintenance.
As could be expected, the 50th step is the most integral and profound. It is the step that unifies all the others. The 50th step is connecting with God. Nothing in life is possible without the assistance of the Creator and Sustainer of all life.
Get the Torah
Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik, the famed Brisker Rav, said that just as with any legal process there is a special method of acquisition, so too, Torah understanding is only acquired through the 48 Ways.
The time to begin is today. "I don't have time" is no excuse. You can listen to Torah tapes while in the car commuting, or while exercising on the treadmill. There is an excellent "48 Ways" audio series by Rabbi Noah Weinberg, which presents these topics in a friendly and engaging style. You can also subscribe to the "48 Ways" email list and access notes online.
The days of the Omer is the perfect time to undertake study of the 48 Ways -- one way per day!
Use this handy table to keep track of the days:
16 Nisan:
Being Aware Every Moment
Today is 1 day of the Omer.17 Nisan:
Listen Effectively
Today is 2 days of the Omer.18 Nisan:
Arrange It On Your Lips
Today is 3 days of the Omer.19 Nisan:
Understanding Of The Heart
Today is 4 days of the Omer.20 Nisan:
Awe
Today is 5 days of the Omer.21 Nisan:
Mastering Fear
Today is 6 days of the Omer.22 Nisan:
The True Charisma
Today is 7 days of the Omer.23 Nisan:
Joy
Today is 8 days of the Omer.24 Nisan:
Concentration and Will Power
Today is 9 days of the Omer.25 Nisan:
Honor the Wise Person
Today is 10 days of the Omer.26 Nisan:
Work It Through With Friends
Today is 11 days of the Omer.27 Nisan:
Growth Through Teaching
Today is 12 days of the Omer.28 Nisan:
Be Deliberate
Today is 13 days of the Omer.29 Nisan:
Something That Is Read
Today is 14 days of the Omer.30 Nisan:
The Oral Instructions for Living
Today is 15 days of the Omer.1 Iyar:
Apply Business Acumen to Living
Today is 16 days of the Omer.2 Iyar:
Harnessing the Power of Sex
Today is 17 days of the Omer.3 Iyar:
The Use of Physical Pleasure
Today is 18 days of the Omer.4 Iyar:
Minimize Sleep
Today is 19 days of the Omer.5 Iyar:
The Art of Conversation
Today is 20 days of the Omer.6 Iyar:
Laugh at Your Troubles
Today is 21 days of the Omer.7 Iyar:
Conquering Frustration
Today is 22 days of the Omer.8 Iyar:
A Good Heart
Today is 23 days of the Omer.9 Iyar:
Choosing the Right Advisor
Today is 24 days of the Omer.10 Iyar:
Accepting Pain
Today is 25 days of the Omer.11 Iyar:
When to Lead - When to Follow
Today is 26 days of the Omer.12 Iyar:
Happiness
Today is 27 days of the Omer.13 Iyar:
Protect What Is Precious
Today is 28 days of the Omer.14 Iyar:
The Subtle Traps of Arrogance
Today is 29 days of the Omer.15 Iyar:
How to be Loved
Today is 30 days of the Omer.16 Iyar:
The Greatest Pleasure
Today is 31 days of the Omer.17 Iyar:
The Dynamics of Loving
Today is 32 days of the Omer.18 Iyar:
Take Pleasure In Fulfilling Your Obligations
Today is 33 days of the Omer.19 Iyar:
Using Your Inner Guide
Today is 34 days of the Omer.20 Iyar:
Love Criticism
Today is 35 days of the Omer.21 Iyar:
Handling Social Pleasure
Today is 36 days of the Omer.22 Iyar:
How Never to be Bored
Today is 37 days of the Omer.23 Iyar:
The Art of making Decisions
Today is 38 days of the Omer.24 Iyar:
Sensitivity to Others
Today is 39 days of the Omer.25 Iyar:
Make Your Help Count
Today is 40 days of the Omer.26 Iyar:
Getting Into Reality
Today is 41 days of the Omer.27 Iyar:
Achieving Peace Of Mind
Today is 42 days of the Omer.28 Iyar:
Being Fascinated with Living
Today is 43 days of the Omer.29 Iyar:
How to Analyze an Issue
Today is 44 days of the Omer.1 Sivan:
Expanding Your Ideas
Today is 45 days of the Omer.2 Sivan:
Learn In Order To Teach
Today is 46 days of the Omer.3 Sivan:
Learn In Order To Do
Today is 47 days of the Omer.4 Sivan:
Educating the Educators
Today is 48 days of the Omer.5 Sivan:
Organize Your Mind
Today is 49 days of the Omer.6 Sivan:
The Rewards of Gratitude
Today is SHAVUOT