«Правда пойдёт перед Ним и направит по пути стопы Его.» (теилим 85:14)

In this video, Rabbi Levi Stambler discusses the spiritual meaning of Sefirat HaOmer and explains the importance of giving charity (tzedakah) before prayer. The video is divided into two sections: 1. Mourning Sefirat HaOmer and love for one's neighbor. The rabbi recalls that 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva's students died during this period. The cause of the plague was their failure to show due respect for one another. This sin can only be corrected by the opposite action—by showing "unconditional love" and respect for all people, which should hasten the coming of the Messiah. 2. The power of giving tzedakah before prayer. The rabbi shares an instructive story about the third Lubavitcher Rebbe (Tzemach Tzedek). A Jew asked him for 5 rubles to borrow for market trading. The Rebbe wanted to help him after his morning prayers, but soon realized the man needed the money urgently, so he returned and lent him before the prayers. For this act, the Almighty rewarded the Rebbe according to the principle of "measure for measure." Soon, his grandfather (the Alter Rebbe) appeared to him and answered the most difficult Torah questions that the Tzemach Tzedek had been unable to resolve for months. Main conclusion: If a person helps his neighbor without conditions or delays, the Almighty will similarly, without hindrance, answer his own prayers. This is why tradition prescribes giving tzedakah before praying.