49 days, seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot
3 Sivan 5773 | May 12, 2013
47th Day of the Omer
As I write this, I am sitting on my Jerusalem balcony, looking through a tracery of pine trees at the view along Rehov Ruppin. I can see the Knesset, the Israel Museum, and the Shrine of the Book - that architectural marvel resembling a woman's tilted breast, that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls.
I am at an age where I should write a will, but the disposition of my material possessions would take just a few lines. They do not amount to much...has we stayed in Australia where you -- my four children - were born, they would be much more. I hope you won't blame me for this.
For now you are Israelis, and I have different things to leave you. I hope you will understand that they are more valuable than money in the bank, stocks and bonds, and plots of land, for no one can ever take them away from you.
I am leaving you the fragrance of a Jerusalem morning...unforgettable perfume of thyme, sage, and rosemary that wafts down from the Judean hills. The heartbreaking sunsets that give way to Jerusalem at stone, ancient and mellow, in the buildings that surround you. The piquant taste of humus, tehina, falafel - foods we never knew about before we came here to live.
I am leaving you an extended family - the whole house of Israel. They are your people. They will celebrate with you in joy, grieve with you in sorrow. You will argue with them, criticize them, and sometimes reject them (that's the way it is with families!). But underneath you will be proud of them and love them. More important, when you them - they will be there!
I am leaving you the faith of your forefathers. Here, no one will ever laugh at your beliefs, call you "Jew" as an insult. You, my sons, can wearkippot and tzitzitif you so wish; you, my daughters, can modestly cover your hair after marriage if that is what you decide. No one will ridicule you. You can be religious or as secular as you with, knowing it is based on your own convictions, and not because of what the "goyim" might say. You have your heritage...written with the blood of your people through countless generations. Guard it well and cherish it - it is priceless!
I am leaving you pride. Hold your head high. This is your country, your birthright. Try to do your share to enhance its image. It may call for sacrifice, but it will be worth it. Your children, their children, and all who come after it, will thank you for it.
I am leaving you memories. Some are sad...the early struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new culture. But remember, too, the triumphs...the feeling of achievement when you were accepted, when "they" became "us." That is worth more than silver trophies and gold medals. You did it alone - you "made" it.
And so, my children, I have only one last bequest. I leave you my love and my blessing. I hope you will never again need to say: "Next year in Jerusalem." You are already there-how rich you are!
Dvora Waysman, So That Your Values Live On - Ethical Wills and How to Prepare Them
Baruch Ata Adonai Elo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam a-sher ke-d-sha-nu b- mitz-vo-tav, v-tzi-va-nu al s-fi-rat ha-omer.
Praised be you Adonai our God who rules the Universe instilling within us the holiness of mitzvot by commanding us to count the Omer.
Today is the forty-sixth day - six weeks and four days of the Omer.