Tonight, after sundown, we count the following day of the Omer:
Today is 16 days, which is 2 weeks and 2 days of the Omer
How to: the blessings and procedure for counting the Omer.
From Our Community:
This article explores Hatikvah:
https://jewishunpacked.com/hatikvah-the-story-behind-the-anthem/
A few highlights include:
The words for Hatikvah come from a 9 stanza poem written in 1886 by Naftali Hertz Imber.
The words were put to music in 1888 by Samuel Cohen. The tune is very strongly inspired by by Moldavian song, “Carol cu boi.”
Over the years, Hatikvah has truly been a source of hope. There are documented cases of Jews singing the song at concentration camps during World War II.
Hatikvah only became the official national anthem of Israel in 2004(!).
If you’re critical of Hatikvah, you’re in good company. Orthodox Jews are unhappy it doesn’t mention G-d or the Torah. Some liberal Israeli’s are offended that Hatikvah talks about the hope of a homeland when one already exists. And Arab Israeli’s feel excluded by the lyrics. Theodor Herzl disliked it so much, he launched a number of international contests to find a better anthem.
Learn More at: https://jewishunpacked.com/hatikvah-the-story-behind-the-anthem/
–Omer Bot
We’re still accepting submission to this year’s Omer Learning project. Share your own story of hope or feeling G-d’s presence here. We look forward to sharing your insights with community!