The Tree of Life

Omer Count: Day 18 – Centering

netzach shebbe tiferes: endurance within harmony

The center will not hold: my sense of balance will be thrown off, if my center is based upon a sense of self. Yet, a transcendent focus will support a sense of balance, by way of transcending ourselves, so that a higher perspective may be gained. A greater sense of fulfillment than our own selfish pursuits must ensue from surrender to a transcendent G-d, a higher cause or a person.

The ego thrives on pride, and a sense of accomplishment attributed to the efforts made by oneself. Yet, because we are limited beings, this kind of image, focused only on self will not endure. True harmony within may only endure through help from Above; otherwise, the weight of our own worries and concerns in this world, may become overwhelming. We may overestimate our sense of self-importance, if we rely on our own emotional, intellectual and moral reserves.

G-d would like us to depend on Him. “Cast your burdens upon the L-RD, and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:23). For, “His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). Therefore, G-d may serve as a prolific resource, so that we may endure.

parasha Kedoshim 5784

“And G-d created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them” (Genesis 1:27, JPS). We are created b’tzelem Elokim – in the image of G-d – as is written. We are to imitate G-d, in a sincere effort to live up to that image. In specific, we should focus our efforts on an attempt to approach His level of holiness, even if this may not seem like it is within our own power to do so.

“Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them: Ye shall be holy; for I the L-RD your G-d am holy” (Leviticus 19:2, JPS). The question may be asked, relevant to the theme of obtaining kedushah (holiness) in our lives, how are we even able to approach the level of G-d’s holiness? We may understand this level of holiness as an ideal standard, that we are to set as our goal. Yet, its attainment is by no means easy, nor even possible without HaShem at the helm of our ship, guiding our way upon the ocean of life.

The opening verse, “You shall be holy, because HaShem your Gd is holy,” serves as a guiding principle, that continues to be expounded upon throughout the rest of the parasha. The principle of holiness is applied even to what might otherwise be considered as the mundane affairs of mankind. For example, consider the following commandment:

“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure” (Leviticus 19:35, JPS 1917 Tanach). The Torah calls for “equal weights and measures.” As is mentioned elsewhere, “Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them alike are abomination to the L-RD” (Proverbs 20:10, JPS 1917 Tanach). Although, we are not all merchants, called to right business practices, this commandment may be considered in regard to the positive character trait of honesty. Many others follow.

Shabbat shalom.
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Omer Count: Day 17 – tiferes shebbe tiferes

Tiferes shebbe Tiferes: Harmony within Harmony

The epitome of harmony and balance within all of creation was present in the beginning within Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden). That harmony was disrupted, when Adam and Chava (Eve) partook of forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Up until that moment, the progenitors of humankind lived in a nondual world of blissful connection to G-d. Their relationship to Him was whole, and immersed in complete Oneness. They were at one with each other, and all of creation as well.

However, subsequent to their disobedience, the world became an admixture of good and evil. Throughout history, these two forces often appeared in sharp outlines, discernible even to the casual eye, as well as the more carefully honed conscience. Today, the blur between good and evil that seems to have proliferated during the last several decades is increasing to the point whereof the boundaries are no longer clearly marked in society. Moreover, the emergent zeitgeist reflects the prophet’s words, “woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that change darkness into light, and light into darkness; that change bitter into sweet, and sweet into bitter” (Isaiah 5:20, JPS 1917 Tanach).

Through emes (truth) and emunah (faith), harmony can be restored. By bringing compassion into a disharmonious world, beginning within our own spheres of existence, we can meet the challenges ahead. Mankind has fallen far since the days of yore; yet, recovery of the soul is still possible.

Omer Count: Day 16 – Gevurah shebbe Tiferes

Gevurah shebbe Tiferes: Strength within Harmony

We should judge ourselves in a manner that is not too harsh, nor too lenient; rather, in way that would prove to be of the most benefit to the soul. Thus, a balance is necessary, in regard to how critical a person is of him or herself. A certain amount of positive self-talk will compel a person to feel encouraged: yet, it is also necessary to critique thought, speech, and action, in hopes of being able to improve any faults in these areas.

Harmony within ourselves sometimes requires prioritizing our needs, in favor of higher, more noble aspirations. The discernment of gevurah will assist on the road towards freedom from our lower nature. The heights of spirituality rest upon the decisions that we make for ourselves, that are most in accord with being truly human.

In life, we have the opportunity improve upon ourselves, by way of transcending any negative characteristics. Ultimately, harmony within the framework of mind, body, and spirit will lead towards the ability to excel in accordance with the design given to us by the Creator.

Omer Count: Day 15 – chesed shebbe tiferes

Omer Count: Day 15 – Chesed shebbe Tiferes – Harmonizing Kindness

The quality of loving-kindness expressed in a harmonious manner as represented by tiferes is integral. True kindness is not measured, per se, by any limiting factors; yet, flows outward from a place of sincerity, knowing how to quench the emotional thirst of others, like a river following its natural course.

Additionally, the right measure of kindness at the appropriate time, in harmony with the specific needs of others requires discernment. How we treat others, may reflect how we treat ourselves. The commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) is considered a cornerstone of Jewish thought, through which all of the other commandments must be viewed.

The flowing out of love from a balanced place within an individual, can also help to temper our efforts to do mitzvoth (good deeds), by tinging all that we do with a certain amount of kindness. In this manner, harmony may be either created or restored by always “keeping chesed in mind.”

Note: These are my personal reflections on the implications of today’s combination of middot (character traits). These reflections are not meant to be comprehensive, inasmuch that they are not based upon any one particular system. Nor, may these ideas be characterized as authoritative, because I profess to being a student, not a teacher. I hope to inspire others to delve into an exploration of their own personality, for the sake of tikkun hanefesh (rectification of the soul).

Omer Count: Week 3 – Tiferes

tiferes – harmony, balance, and compassion
Omer Count: Week Three – An Exploration of Tiferes

In consideration of the nearly polar opposites of chesed (loving-kindness) and gevurah (judgment), tiferes (harmony) has the potential to infuse these two “emotional attributes,” into a blend of synergistic harmony that has as its substance, the beauty of moderation, balance, and right amounts of the elements necessary, to bring about reconciliation with all things.

This is why tiferes, seems to me, to be akin to ahavah (love); although, it is traditionally associated with compassion. Incidentally, what is the relationship between love and compassion? There is self-love, love of objects (especially our own possessions), love of pleasure, and love of the merely subjectively satisfying as opposed to love of virtue, that requires a certain degree of mesiras nefesh.

Compassion permits us to love others with a certain degree of selflessness, and has the ability to negate our selfishness, and break down the separateness between ourselves and others. Something for ourselves, and the rest of the world to consider.

Note: These are my personal reflections on the implications of the middot (emotional attributes). These reflections are not meant to be comprehensive, inasmuch that they are not based upon any one particular system. Nor, may these ideas be characterized as authoritative, because I profess to being a student, not a teacher. I hope to inspire others to delve into an exploration of their own personality, for the sake of tikkun hanefesh (rectification of the soul).

Shalom Aleichem.

Omer Count: Day 14 – malchut shebbe Gevurah

sovereignty within strength

Wielding power from a position of authority requires discernment. The autonomy of the sovereign must reflect his own deference to G-d, for no one is above the law. Moreover, the sovereign must respect the autonomy of his subjects; and not rule in a manner that diminishes their individuality and rights.

Every human being is granted a certain amount of autonomy from Above. If G-d gives us free will, then we must also recognize the autonomy of our fellow human beings. Moreover, regardless of the worlds demands upon the souls of individuals to conform, the individual of integrity must seek inner liberty from the tyranny of the narrative norm.

Excercise your right to stand up for your beliefs.

Omer: Day 13 Yesod of Gevurah

(foundation within strength)

The foundation of strength, from an integral standpoint, has to do with “moral constraint.” Gevurah is also associated with judgment; therefore, judging ourselves within the context of our foundational beliefs may compel us to see if we “measure up” to the standards that we would like to uphold in our lives.

A proper assessment of our foundational strengths is necessary to test the integrity of the overall “structure” – the beliefs and presuppositions that our lives are based upon.

Ask yourself this question: How is the foundation of my values strengthening my life, in the midst of the challenges surrounding me?

Omer Count: Day 12

hod shebbe gevurah (humility within strength)

The humility of discipline, requires an acknowledgment of something greater than ourselves, so that we do not misuse our sense of power. There is only one authority in the world that is not of this world: the authority from Above. All other authorities must submit to Him.

The more that we may try to act as an independent entity, without keeping G-d in mind, the less efficacy we will have in our own endeavors. Even if G-d permits us to go our own way, the result will not be sanctioned by him, unless we realize through our misguided efforts, that something is amiss. By leaving G-d out of the equation in our lives, nothing will add up.

Only through His splendor can we act in all humility, in recognition of His greater glory.

Omer Count: Day 11

Netzach shebbe Gevurah

The combination of attributes, netzach within gevurah represents the endurance of strength through maintaining discipline over oneself, and unruly emotions as noted in Proverbs. Scripture, especially the insights found in Proverbs, may serve as a reflection on human behavior, as well as a prescription for right conduct. Thus, to paraphrase Solomon, he who rules over his passions is greater than he who is able to conquer a city (Proverbs 16:32). For “he that ruleth his spirit,” through subduing negative emotions may succeed in understanding (Proverbs 16:32, 14:29). Otherwise, one might become like “a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28).

Keeping this in mind, it is interesting to note that netzach is also characterized as “victory.” Sometimes it is better to focus on our inner battles, than to seek to be victorious over external circumstances that are beyond our control. I can work on changing myself for the better; hopefully, as a result, I will be in a position to positively affect others in a limited sphere of influence. Beyond that amount of impact, I recognize that I have very little sway over what occurs in the world at large.

Netzach, further associated with the idea of “conducting” or “orchestrating” helps to keep me focused on my own sense of place, in relationship to the bigger picture, while recognizing that only G-d has the omnipotence to be all powerful.