Why We Must Stand Tall to Count Up
The mitzvah of Sefirat HaOmer is individually performed each year as we reckon the opening days of Israel's harvest; counting up from Pesach to Shavuot. Curiously, a time-honored and sacred tradition emphasizes that this “counting” must be performed when in upright “standing” position. By tracing back to a wide range of early sources, we develop a deeper appreciation of this rule; and ultimately emerge with a solid understanding of why our physical posture has important bearing on our duty to verbalize the daily count.
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| Topics: | Halacha, Minhag, Counting of the Omer |
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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