Counting the Days

As a kid, did you count down the days until school ended and summer began? I know I did! And even as grownups, we count down the days to important events—a milestone birthday, a wedding, an anniversary, or a graduation.

But when we count down the days, we can disregard them as mere obstacles to get through in order to reach the big event, rather than as the priceless gift that each day is.

As we prepare to celebrate Shavuot, the Bible teaches us to count each day in a way that celebrates the moment. On this episode, we’ll learn how counting each day—in the right way—is the secret to making every day count.

Find out what you know about Shavuotby taking our quiz!

And listen to more of Yael’s Bible teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

Episode Notes:

Soon, the Jewish people will observe the holiday of Shavuot.This podcast episode focuses on Leviticus 23:15-16, which says: “From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.”

These verses directed the Israelites to count the 50 days between Passover and the Festival of Weeks, also known as Shavuot,or Pentecost in Greek. (In Greek, Pentecost means fiftieth.)

Yael explores the biblical and historical significance of those 50 days, as well as their spiritual significance. We’ll discuss how this special time period was first observed when the nation of Israel left Egypt and how it is marked in the modern state of Israel during our times. Yael tells us why this busy time, full of holidays and commemorative days, is one of the most meaningful times of the year on the Jewish calendar. She also explains how the specific way in which these days are counted teaches us an important lesson about how we should live our lives.

Join Yael for these inspiring teachings that will connect you to your biblical roots and the directive to “count off fifty days.” Discover the secret to living a life full of meaning, joy, and contribution—each and every day.