The Call to Return: A Reflection on Sefirat Ha-Omer

Understanding Sefirat Ha-Omer

The period between Passover and Shavuot is known as Sefirat Ha-Omer (the Counting of the Omer). During this time, wedding ceremonies and organized celebrations are typically avoided. This practice honors the memory of Rabbi Akiva, a prominent figure in Orthodox Judaism, who is a controversial figure for Messianic believers. Some Messianic scholars argue that Rabbi Akiva, by proclaiming Bar Kokhba as the Messiah, fractured unity in Israel and caused a split in the Jewish army, half of which was composed of Messianic Jews.

Additionally, these dates often coincide with significant observances such as Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers in Israel, and Independence Day. While Independence Day is a joyful celebration, it is also marked by the pains of birth and wars in our nation's recent history.

Overall, this is a time for deep reflection and intensified prayer. The Lord reigns over all!

Current Events and Their Impact

Unfortunately, this year, the days of Sefirat Ha-Omer are overshadowed by the war between Russia and Ukraine. These events resonate in Israel, bringing much pain and memories of friends and family on both sides. Through these trials, God tests us, filtering out the unnecessary. This period calls for reevaluation and closeness to the Heavens, and the moed (memorial date) serves to facilitate our meetings with the Lord.

Emotions have settled. Now, we can see not only the problems of Russian aggression but also many negative and controversial decisions from the Ukrainian side. Amid these issues, we begin to discern the voice of Heaven, confirmed by Scripture. Suddenly, what we knew but had forgotten comes alive, tangled in the prevailing liberalism of the world. The Lord speaks: “Oh, My people, it is time to return to the land of your fathers.”

The Importance of Returning

Many people discuss the last days. Some already see the coming of the Antichrist. While this may be significant, it is far more important to focus on the specific calling the Lord has for you. It is crucial to shout to the Jews of Ukraine and Russia: “Enough, it is time to return to the land of your ancestors!”

In the late 1980s, there was widespread talk about the return of Jews to Israel. However, by the 2000s, this issue seemed to be “forgotten.” The politics of pastors can be understood—they want to keep the community together to prevent people from leaving. But what do biblical prophecies say differently? After all, the interpretation remains: “To everything, there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

Forgive my boldness, but I perceive the current silence of Messianic and Christian pastors in Ukraine, Russia, and other former Soviet republics as a dangerous delusion and selfishness. Common justifications arise: “If they go to Israel, they may not stand firm in their faith!” “Here, it is easier for them to come to faith in Yeshua!” These are legitimate counterarguments, but they are no longer relevant today.

A Call to Action

Awaken, Israel! Return to your land. This will not merely be a relocation; it will be the right decision. Everything will fall into place, and your children will find themselves in the flow of “true prophecy,” filling the land of Abraham with themselves. “The Word will become flesh,” and spiritual realities, inaccessible to our logic, will become available to us only through faith. Then, the “thirst for the Lord” will be awakened not by endless logical debates and discussions about Isaiah 53, but by a direct touch of God’s Spirit. Whether it is the time of the Antichrist or tribulation, let us trust in the Lord. The key is to remain open to Him.

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a high and lifted up throne, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings…” (Isaiah 6:1–2). “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?’ Then I said: ‘Here I am! Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8).

Perhaps one day it will be written: “In those days, when Russia attacked Ukraine, and the brotherly Slavic nations began to fight… God stirred the Jews of these countries to return to the land of their ancestors… to fulfill the ancient prophecy, and the land of Israel will bloom not only with physical colors but will also bear SPIRITUAL FRUITS…”

But the call remains: “Whom shall I send?” He sends all of us to pray, speak, persuade, remove the “rose-colored glasses,” and reconnect with God’s process, just as it was at the end of the 1980s!

The Changing Landscape of New Olim

P.S. In our New Olim project, significant changes are happening— all within just two weeks. Previously, we welcomed 7–10 new families each week, but now we see 10–15 families daily, all in need of help, support, advice, and encouragement. You can support them by collaborating with us! It is time to “return to Zion”!

With respect,

Leon Mazin