Behar: A Count For All Time

As the Sefirah ‘count up’ continues, we approach Chag HaShavuos, the time when we celebrate our eternal commitment to the Torah.

The Zohar HaKadosh explains that the count of forty-nine days—seven weeks of seven—is essentially a purification process. Just as a Zav or Zava counts seven clean days toward purity, we count seven sets of seven to refine ourselves, ensuring we are worthy of receiving the Torah.

In last week’s parsha, the Torah commands: "וספרתם לכם ממחרת השבת"—you shall count for yourselves from the morrow of the Shabbos. In practice, we begin the count on the second night of Pesach. This specific phrasing sparked a famous historical debate between the Sages and the Tzaddukim, until the Sages proved conclusively that the "Shabbos" mentioned here refers to the first day of Pesach, regardless of which day of the week it falls on.

The question remains: Why does the Torah refer to Pesach as "Shabbos" here instead of its formal name, Chag HaMatzos?

The Meshech Chochma suggests that Pesach is called Shabbos in reference to the mitzvah of Tashbisu—the commandment to rid ourselves of all chametz (leaven). The word Tashbisu shares a root with Shabbos; both imply "ceasing" or "refraining." Just as Shabbos marks a cessation of forbidden labors, Tashbisu marks a cessation of owning or consuming chametz.

The Meshech Chochma explains that the Torah was given to the Jewish People as an eternal contract. It applies whether we are in our own land, shielded from outside influences, or in exile, dispersed among the nations. We are expected to remain distinct and maintain our identity regardless of our environment.

But from where do we draw the inspiration and confidence to stand apart today? How do we know we are truly capable of resisting the powerful influence of a secular society?

The answer lies in the mitzvah of matzah and chametz. By successfully separating ourselves from chametz and "breaking the habit" of our primary food source for a week, we prove to ourselves that we possess the internal strength to break free from the habits and pressures of the world around us. The act of ridding ourselves of chametz carries a global, spiritual message of self-control and independence.

This is the foundation of our count toward Matan Torah. We begin counting immediately after we have demonstrated this capacity for self-transcendence. The Torah calls it "Shabbos" to remind us: "You have just shown you can cease and desist; you have shown you can change. Now, start counting toward your destiny!"

May we all utilize this time properly to ready ourselves for the Great Day.

Have a wonderful Shabbos!