Omer count – Page 3 – The Tree of Life

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.

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?