This title expresses the idea that the activity called SEFRAT HA’OMER carries greater meaning than just the process of counting the days and weeks between the second day of Pesach and the holiday of Shavuot. Because when we count we are simultaneously preparing for a new reality for the Jewish nation.

Besides the actual counting, what else are we trying to achieve? The Noam Elimelech (Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk) believes that the secret purpose is hidden in the very word ‘U’SEPHARTEM’ (and you shall count, Vayikra 23:15). Reb Elimelech explains that this term comes from the word SAPIR (a shining stone, like sapphire). Our ‘count’ is casting a bright light on this time period helping us prepare for the Epiphany at Sinai, just a few weeks away.

According to many authorities, we use these weeks to cast a bright light on our own behavior. We want to purge ourselves of any negative traits in order to be worthy of receiving the Torah at Sinai. We recreate the effort of our ancestors, who threw off the impurities of their long stay in the corrupt society of Egypt.

The Kedushat Levi presents us with a syllabus of how to prepare for the great day: The first of the seven weeks is devoted to recognizing that after 2500 years of human existence, we acknowledge its Creator and his favorite people, Israel. The second week is devoted to embracing ‎God with reverence and awe, recognizing in Him ‎the Originator of all existence. The third week is devoted to ‎ensure that God will have reason to “boast” about His people and their ‎accomplishments.‎ The fourth and........

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