tzvifievel

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.

parasha Acharei-Mot 5784

“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am the L-RD your G-d.”

– Leviticus 20:7, JPS 1917 Tanach)

We are required to sanctify ourselves through the commandments, in order to become holy enough to draw near to G-d; as long as we are sanctified, we can draw near to G-d through prayer. Additionally, the Sages teach that both love and fear are necessary in our avodah service to HaShem. What is our avodah? Prayer from the heart. Chasidism teaches that prayer only ascends to the HaShem on two wings – love and fear.

Love originates from chesed; and, fear (awe, reverence and respect) is derived from gevurah. Yet, “Everything is in the hands of heaven except the fear of heaven” (Talmud, Tractate Berakhot 33b). Yiras HaShem (awe, reverence and respect toward G-d) must be fostered in ourselves, as this quality is not naturally given to human beings.

Nadav and Avihu over-exemplified the “love component” in their service (avodah) to HaShem. They sought to draw near to HaShem; yet, they did so in a way that was disrespectful to Him. Although they had good intentions, they did not exhibit the necessary component of gevurah; they disregarded the fact that they had not been commanded to perform this particular incense service.

They did not have permission from HaShem to approach the Mishkan (Sanctuary). They attempted to draw near to G-d without following the protocol. For ourselves, we have the prayers of the siddur (prayerbook) and the words of our heart, that only flow from sincerity.

Omer Count: Day 10 Tiferes of Gevurah – Balance of Strength

Finding the right balance within the framework of discipline is important. For example, in regard to self-discipline, within the regimen of an exercise routine, there should be a certain amount of time and effort spent in order to achieve an overall goal.

Yet, too much too soon might not be of benefit, and could even be detrimental to one’s own sense of well-being. The same is true in other arenas of life. Whether the social sphere, one’s vocation, or even a hobby, there should be a balance kept in mind.

Coordinating mind, body, and spirit endeavors is necessary as well, to stay in balance.

Omer Count: Day 9 – gevurah shebbe gevurah

gevurah shebbe gevurah- restraint of might

The strength of gevurah relies on the ability to restrain oneself. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Restraint of ourselves is key, not only for the benefit of our soul, also for the sake of being in a position to offer diplomatic relations to those who enter into conflict with us. For example, putting strong emotions in check in order to have a meaningful conversation.

“He that is slow to anger appeaseth strife” (Proverbs 15:18). We would do well to learn from the wise words of King Solomon, for our hearts are heavy with the burdens we face; yet, too often, we are tempted to respond to others in a reactive way, rather than in a manner of restraint. Moreover, there is a divisiveness that permeates society, dividing people into subgroups; the bitterness that festers as a result of demonizing the other only furthers the perpetuation of the lack of harmony in our lives, especially when our thoughts and rhetoric approaches the vitriolic.

The critical nature of the human heart has the potential to fuel cancel culture, and further the categorization of classes of people in society into the oppressed and the oppressors, increasingly demonizing through generalizations. We should not let the tyranny of viewpoints rule the heart (G-d forbid).

Omer Count Day 8

Chesed shebbe gevurah

This combination of middos connotes the gentle persuasion of discipline towards those whom we love Correction from a place of love does not appear to be stern; yet, at least, firm enough to make the point clear. The motivating factor is compassion, sometimes expressed in a manner akin to the phrase, “tough love,” or some variation thereof.

If we truly love another person, then we are cautious in any attempt to rebuke; this should be done so only for the sake of that person’s benefit. In consideration of the path that HaShem desires us to walk upon, we should instill those values in others. And, the end result should be from a place of love, from the one who institutes the admonition. Additionally, we are to humbly receive admonition from the One Who would only like the best for us.

Where do I fall short in my life? How can I be an example for others through discipline, tempered by loving-kindness?

week two – Gevurah

The middah of gevurah is equivalent to strength, judgment and discipline. Typically, gevurah is balanced by chesed. G-d created the world through the attributes of Judgment and Mercy. Otherwise, mankind could not have survived strictly according to the aspect of judgment placed upon mankind. Therefore, G-d’s mercy balances the harshness of judgment, making it possible for us as human beings to be spared the ultimate punishment for our sins.

Additionally, in a striking example found in Torah, Abraham suppresses his mercy toward Isaac, his only son, in order to follow through on G-d’s will in regard to the test of the Akedah. He does so through the attribute of gevurah, that denotes constriction, as opposed to the expansiveness of chesed. Thus, in this case, gevurah supercedes chesed, for the sake of countering the natural love toward a child, in order to show devotion to G-d. It was only a test; yet, a very real one for Abraham.

Moshiach Seudah

Pesach 5784 – 8^th Day – Moshiach Seudah (Meal of the Messiah)

Passover is a time of renewal, reflection, and commitment to our heritage, inclusive of the values that were instituted at Sinai after the Exodus. Moreover, the commandment to re-enact the narrative of the Exodus culminates in the acknowledgment of our own identification with our collective past. We recall the Exodus every day within the framework of prayer.

And, we are called every year in Nissan, the first of the months, to actually relive our ancestor’s enslavement in Egypt, and our subsequent redemption. Primarily, this experience of empathy with our former lowliness as a people occurs at the seder – a meal of symbolic foods, wherein we recall the narrative of the Exodus, by reading from the Hagaddah, a collection of scripture, commentary, and prayer. We dos collectively, with family and community.

This is unlike any other meal of the year; and, that is exactly the point. Why is this night different than any other? Because on the night of Passover we travel back in time, as if we were actually present at those momentous events that led towards the Geulah (Redemption).

Moreover, we look forward to the Geulah Shleimah (Complete Redemption), otherwise known as the Final Redemption. The tradition on the last day of Passover is to hold a Moshiach Seudah (Meal of Messiah) that casts our thoughts towards the day when we are fully re-established in the land of Israel, after the rebuilding of the Third Temple. Moshiach will reign from Jerusalem, Israel will be a light to the nations, and the Torah will go out from Zion to all peoples.