On the first day of Pesach, H'shem has already enlightened us with the understanding and clarity that we need to rectify all forty-nine days of Sefirat HaOmer. It is up to us to activate the potential that we have already been granted. (The Kozhnitzer Maggid, heard from Rabbi Shlomo Ashkenazi of Jerusalem)
This idea is also alluded to in a parable from the Baal Shem Tov. The expansion of consciousness we receive on Pesach can be compared to one who is lost in a dense forest and climbs to the top of the tallest tree. From his perch, he can clearly see the lay of the land all around in every direction and re-orient himself to the village he wants to reach. Once back on the ground, he uses that clarity of vision to guide him. Pesach is the tall tree, and the Omer is the journey through the forest, the endeavor to take the right path, until we reach our goal: the receiving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. (chabad.org)
Aharon lifted up his hands to the nation"(Shmini). similar to the verse "We uplift our hearts by our hands" (Eichah 3:41). A man whose heart seeks H'shem with great love and emotion claps his hands together out of excitement. Therefore, hands are used to conote divine service. Thus, "Aharon lifted up his hand to the nation." The Tzaddik has a great desire to benefit his people, "And he (Aharon) blessed them, and then he came down after offering.. (the korbanos) and so he comes down from his exalted state (to bless them) (MiPenine Noam Elimelech)
This idea is also alluded to in a parable from the Baal Shem Tov. The expansion of consciousness we receive on Pesach can be compared to one who is lost in a dense forest and climbs to the top of the tallest tree. From his perch, he can clearly see the lay of the land all around in every direction and re-orient himself to the village he wants to reach. Once back on the ground, he uses that clarity of vision to guide him. Pesach is the tall tree, and the Omer is the journey through the forest, the endeavor to take the right path, until we reach our goal: the receiving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. (chabad.org)
Aharon lifted up his hands to the nation"(Shmini). similar to the verse "We uplift our hearts by our hands" (Eichah 3:41). A man whose heart seeks H'shem with great love and emotion claps his hands together out of excitement. Therefore, hands are used to conote divine service. Thus, "Aharon lifted up his hand to the nation." The Tzaddik has a great desire to benefit his people, "And he (Aharon) blessed them, and then he came down after offering.. (the korbanos) and so he comes down from his exalted state (to bless them) (MiPenine Noam Elimelech)