If you often feel tired,
it could be anemia.
Omer-At-
A-Glance
Gaucher (pronounced "Go-Shay")
Disease is the most common genetic
disease affecting Jews of Eastern and
Central European descent. One out of
every ten carries the Gaucher gene —
it is far more prevalent than Tay-Sachs.
ELIZABETH APPLEBAUM
AppleTree Editor
• What It Is: A daily count of the 49
days and seven weeks between Pesach
and Shavuot
• Why We Do It: A divine com-
mandment found in the Torah
(Leviticus 23:15 16)
• How And When We Do It: We
begin the count on the second night
of Pesach. Thereafter, ideally, we
count as part of the daily evening
service. The count itself is preceded
by a blessing. We then announce the
relevant day and week of the Omer.
The count should be recited while
standing
• The Omer And Mourning: The
first part of the Omer period is char-
acterized as semi-mournful. We do
not rake haircuts, have or attend
marriages, or play musical instru-
ments. As stated in the Talmud, dur-
ing this period a plague decimated
the disciples of Rabbi Akiva because
they did not treat each other with
respect. Later sources point to the
Omer as a period of mourning, for it
was during that time of the year in
1096 and 1146 that Jews in the
Rhineland were killed by the
Crusaders. Moreover, the
Chmielnicki massacres in the
Ukraine and Poland (1648-49) also
rook place during this period.
• Lag b'Omer: This is the 33rd day
of the Omer (lag is the acronym
formed from the Hebrew
letterslamed and gi.;;Iel, which signify
33) on which mourning is suspend-
ed. It is usually a day of joy and cele-
bration. Hair may be cut and wed-
dings may be held. Among those
Jews who do not cur their sons' hair
until the boys reach the age of 3, Lag
b'Omer is the day chosen for the first
haircut. A long-standing tradition is
to light bonfires and for children to
play with bows and arrows on Lag
b'Omer. For unknown reasons, Lag
b'Omer is associated with Bar
Kochba, the Jewish leader of a revolt
against the Roman occupation dur-
ing the time of Rabbi Akiva. This
year, Lag b'Omer occurs on Friday,
May 11. —
Gaucher warning signs include:
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Bone pain
• Easily fractured bones
• Bleeding problems and
easy bruising
• Low platelet count
• Enlarged liver and spleen
Fortunately, Gaucher can be detected
early with a simple test. And treatment
lets people with Gaucher live full,
productive lives. So don't wait another
minute wondering. Get the facts now.
.
National Gaucher Foundation
11140 Rockville Pike, Suite 350
Rockville, MD 20852
www.gaucherdisease.org
0 2000, National Gaucher Foundation
•
Lori and Cary Greenberg
Warmest Wishes To Our Clients,
Family and Friends For a Very
Healthy and Happy Passover
32802 Franklin Road
Franklin, Ml 48025 •
248-737-831 3
248-737-831 7 Fax
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