Machshava:

Lag BaOmer 

Description

Rav Zilber spoke in English about Sefirah and Lag Ba'Omer. The importance of purifying ourselves in preparation for receiving the Torah. Changing ourselves from "ahfahr" (dust) to "sapir" (precious stone) [in Hebrew these two words have the same letters]. During the 49 days of sefirah (counting), we work towards changing ourselves into "kel chai" (the living G-d). Specific revelations of the luchos (tablets) and the letters of the luchos. Lots of gematrios (numerical calculations based on the letters of the alef beis). The twenty four garments of the bride with which the second luchos were given to Hashem - these correspond to the 24,000 students of Rebbi Akiva. Changing the "samech mem" into something good. Why do we say "Baruch shem kevod malchuso le'olam va'ed" quietly? Encapsulating the neshamah (soul) in the proper vessels - this is the work of the 49 days. The special tikkun (fixing) that must happen on the 50th day of counting. Lavan's connection to Rebbi Shimon and the ketores (incense).