Neuriel Shore For many non-observant Jews, the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot may not hold much significance. However, their depth and uniqueness are profound. Each evening, from the second night of Passover until the day before Shavuot, we count a total of 49 days (seven weeks). This ritual is known as Sefirat HaOmer (“Counting of the Omer”), as it commences on the day when an omer measure of barley was offered in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This spiritual counting mirrors the journey our ancestors made in the desert, spending 49 days between the Exodus (Passover) and the Giving of the Torah (Shavuot).
Neuriel Shore, the director for Greater Los Angeles at Jewish National Fund-USA, delved into the profound significance of the Omer a few years ago. It led him to create Omer Aliyah, a seven-week program aligned with the Omer’s timing. This is the third year in which he offers the program.
In an interview with the Journal, Shore shared the origins of his journey.
“Four years ago, during COVID isolation, people coped in various ways,” he said. “It was then that a friend, Benji Elson, published ‘Dance of the Omer,’ a transformative guidebook with a step-by-step instruction of how to have an immersive and transformative spiritual experience.”
Shore, finding himself with more time, committed to spending half an hour each evening throughout the Omer’s duration to study and reflect.
“The results were incredible and transformative,” he said. “I felt compelled to share this experience with as many people as possible. However, I recognized that not everyone is inclined towards text-based learning.”
To make the program accessible, Shore conceived a multi-access approach, catering to diverse preferences. “Whether someone seeks an in-depth journey or occasional insights and skill development rooted in spiritual content, the program accommodates various needs,” he said.
Regarding the traditional observance of the Omer, Shore noted, “While many in the Orthodox world observe it through brief daily blessings and restrictions, there’s a deeper dimension. Each of the seven weeks corresponds to a distinct theme, focusing on character refinement known as ‘Tikkun Hamidot,’ which focuses on the rectification of our character traits.”
The first week of the Omer centers around the divine attribute of ‘Chessed,’ (from Hebrew: grace), or unconditional love and giving towards others. During this week, individuals contemplate different mindsets, attitudes and practices they can implement in their lives to reflect this divine attribute and foster kindness and generosity towards others.
“Subsequent weeks address different aspects of personal growth, from physical strength to emotional restraint.”
“Subsequent weeks address different aspects of personal growth, from physical strength to emotional restraint,” he said.
Participants will receive a lesson log, providing an opportunity each night to reflect on their thoughts, with a key takeaway they wish to integrate into their lives based on the day’s learning. In total, there are 49 distinct lessons curated, serving as a valuable resource for ongoing personal growth and reflection throughout their lives.
The Omer Aliyah program, offered free of charge worldwide, provides participants with virtual seminars, an extensive guidebook, a lesson log for personal reflection and a WhatsApp group for community connection. Shore encourages forming local study groups to enhance the journey’s depth and communal aspect.
Shore said this program has the ability of bringing Jews together, no matter where they live in the world. He encourages participants to consider forming a small group for this journey. While it’s inherently an individual path, there’s immense value in sharing experiences with others. Over the seven weeks, they can meet periodically to reflect on their experiences and learnings. This way, individuals can forge connections and support one another’s spiritual growth, regardless of their location in the world.
“Imagine Joe Schmoe in Missouri or a random Julie who lives within a 10-mile radius, each discovering there are many fellow Jews nearby,” he said. “By finding just a few others willing to commit to the Omer journey together, they can create a local community.”
When asked how he can afford offering the program for free, Shore emphasized he feels it’s his mission. “This initiative is a calling, too valuable not to share widely. Sponsorships cover costs, ensuring accessibility.”
Reflecting on personal changes, Shore highlighted newfound clarity in his life, resilience and the power of partnership with God.
“What I took away from this is the notion that when one sees God as someone who is constantly rooting for you, in partnership with you in every aspect of life, it creates space for the divine to enter, even in the mundane. This partnership allows for incredible miracles to occur. While this initiative demands a significant amount of my time, I’ve found that even time and space can bend under certain circumstances.”
The 3rd Annual Omer Aliyah takes place from April 23 – June 11, 2024.
To sign up: https://forms.gle/ocjaohgpR1B5NfkC8
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