Podcast (shiurim): Download (Duration: 1:02:05 — 28.4MB)
The process of counting the Omer establishes the purity of mind necessary for receiving the Torah. (This halakha is based on Torah 72 of Likutey Moharan 2.)
00:00 – At the time of the Exodus, the People of Israel did not yet merit to receive the Torah. The nature of Chometz (leavened dough) is an aspect of katnas demochin (constricted consciousness).
11:51 – PARAGRAPH 32. Ruach (spirit) is received from the tzaddik through seeing him as well as by being seen by him.
19:00 – Sefiras HaOmer (Counting the Omer), Shavuos, Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah at Sinai). The power of redemption is techiyas hamaysim (revival of the dead) which is facilitated only through receiving the Torah.
35:00 – The essential purity of the relationship between man and woman is established through purity of thought. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov provides a technique for taking control of stray thoughts. He compares the mind to a horse that veers off the path. All we need to do is guide the “horse” back onto the path.
38:50 – It’s impossible to entertain two thoughts at the same time.
40:38 – Sefiras HaOmer. It’s not enough that we count seven weeks. The mitzvah (commandment) includes counting seven Shabasos (Sabbaths) so that we can free ourselves completely from the impurity of Egypt.
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