Beginning on the eve of the second day of Pesach, we are instructed by our tradition to count the days of the “Omer” until the fiftieth day, which is when the first barley crop would be harvested. It is also the Jewish holiday of Shavuot when, according to our tradition, the Jewish People received the Torah at Mt. Sinai. The counting of the Omer is a bridge between Pesach and Shavuot – between a moment of liberation and a moment of self-definition and direction at the beginning of our evolution as a religious civilization.

More than 350 participants and commentators participated in the JRF On-Line Omer Study Initiative last year during the Omer period.

This year for the Omer study, our focus will be on Tikkun Olam (repair of our world), specifically on the issues of hunger and poverty. Based on a recent survey, JRF congregations respond to hunger and poverty more than any other issue.

Rabbis, Hazzanim (cantors), Educators and members of JRF congregations will comment on classic Jewish texts in the light of the social justice work being done in their congregations.

To download a copy of the texts on hunger and poverty, go to www.jrf.org/hunger-poverty-texts.doc.

Visit our partner organization Mazon for ways your congregation can get involved in stopping and preventing hunger.

Omer study listserv participants will be e-mailed the teachings, and will be able to submit their reactions and responses to the Mishnah and the commentary in the form of prose, poetry, or artwork.

To submit a posting, send your e-mail to study@lists.jrf.org after completing the form to join the listserv.

Contact us via e-mail or at 215-782-8500 ext. 17 or 32 with any questions or problems.