Omer count – Page 4 – The Tree of Life

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.

day 7 – counting of the omer

Day 7 – malchus (sovereignty) shebbe chesed (love)

Our own inner worth, the value we place upon ourselves in regard to personal dignity, reflects the One whose sovereignty rules over our hearts, if we permit Him to do so. Yet, if we see ourselves as separate from G-d, then we risk narcissistic pride, that creates an illusion of ourselves as being more important than our abilities and accomplishments would indicate. The expression of love to another person from a place of self-aggrandizement results in posturing ourselves above the other.

Recognizing the inherent value of our fellow human beings, can be done without diminishing ourselves; nor, on the other hand, by thinking that we are better than the other. We should not judge others; because, G-d, Who is sovereign over all is the Ultimate Judge. By accepting the other as a unique individual (sovereign, autonomous), two people in relationship to each other can coexist. This holds true for our interactions with all human beings, inasmuch that we endeavor to respect and appreciate others for whom they are.

If we let HaShem reign over our hearts (thoughts, feelings and emotions), we can let His love, kindness and mercy flow throw us.

day 6 – counting of the omer

Day 6 – yesod (foundation) shebbe chesed (love) – the nature of giving

The foundation of love rests upon our ability to give to others. The quality of our love towards others is empowered by how we give. The reciprocity of love is strengthened by the give and take in a relationship. An ever-flowing pattern develops, akin, by way of analogy, to the way water circulates on the earth.

“All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again” (Ecclesiastes 1:7). When water evaporates, the droplets ascend to rakia (sky), from where they are condensed within rainclouds; then, the water droplets fall back to the earth in a continuous cycle. This natural exchange is symbolic of the reciprocity of an ideal relationship.

A healthy relationship requires both individuals to have a reciprocal attitude of giving.

Day 5 – counting of the omer

day 5 – counting of the omer – hod shebbe chesed

The attribute of hod has to do with the character trait of humility. When we humble ourselves before G-d, then His splendor may shine through us. Also, hod is likened to the quality of sincerity in our lives. A certain amount of sincerity is required to be humble; when we are sincere about our abilities, without exaggerating our talents, nor our accomplishments, this will pave the way towards an honest assessment of ourselves.

From this point of humility within, we may express loving-kindness towards others. Conversely, haughtiness does not foster kindness. When we humble ourselves, can we truly allow HaShem’s splendor to inspire us to give to others. Therefore, in expressing kindness toward others, we are actually reflecting the Image of G-d, whose splendor flows to all who observe His commandments. This is explained in chassidus, as the mitzvah (good deed) drawing down His light through the presence of the Shechinah.

Let the light of G-d radiate out toward others through acts of loving-kindness.

Day 4 – counting of the omer

netzach shebbe chesed

The emotional attribute of netzach (endurance) also means perseverance, resilience, and forbearance. In life, our feelings do not remain static. Challenges will impact our ability to remain calm, patient, and loving. Endurance of the adversities that are encountered day by day, will help to transcend the negative and keep a smile on our face.

Relationship commitments with others also require endurance. Personal bonds with others need to be sustained through forbearance of the other’s faults. A strong emotional tie is not enough unless the commitment to be loving also incorporates the tenacity to endure the challenges between two people in relationship to each other.

Love requires the grit of commitment to endure. Persistent kindness covers all faults.

Day 3 – counting of the omer

Tiferes shebbe Chesed

The nature of tiferes, in terms of its expression as a middah (character trait), can best be designated as “harmony.” Therefore, one question for today could be construed as whether or not one’s acts of loving-kindness are performed in a way that denotes a harmonious balance to all concerned in the endeavor.

Moreover, in our own personality makeup, where is the harmony within that can promote feelings of kindness to others? Sincere kindness flows from a peaceful, harmonious place within ourselves. Are you able to envision your heartfelt acts of kindness bringing harmony to the lives of others? Or do you think of your kindnesses only as a small drop in the bucket?

Consider that the ripple effect of kindness may be greater than you can imagine.

Day 2 – counting of the omer

gevurah shebbe chesed

The middah (character trait) of gevurah may be expressed as a measure of strictness. Therefore, one way of conceiving of gevurah within chesed could have to do with applying a measure of strictness to the quality of kindness. Placing a limit on our kindness, in response to the awareness that not every situation is best suited to respond in kindness involves a dash of wisdom.

Therefore, chesed may require the use of discernment, in order to ascertain how much kindness would be appropriate to the situation. Boundaries are essential to the maintenance of identity. Where do I begin and the other person starts? This question must be regulated in real time by each and every individual. Being kind to others, without standing up for oneself simply amounts to people pleasing, at the expense of oneself.

There must be a healthy balance between chesed and gevurah, and sometimes the strictness of gevurah is necessary to restore a sense of self and integrity.

Day 1 – counting of the omer

Day 1 – chesed within chesed

The amount of kindness that we show to others is dependent on how we view and treat ourselves. Genuine kindness is from a place of empathic consideration for the other. If we are kind to ourselves, we may be kind to others. We should act toward others the way we would show kindness to ourselves. This is encapsulated in the commandment to love your fellow as yourself.

The mercy that we show to others, especially in times of weakness, when we might otherwise respond in a harsh manner, is a way of transcending the egotistical drives that fashion us as human beings. Our instincts are usually focused more on ourselves than others. Yet, being truly human, means going beyond our comfort zone, by not giving in to our lesser inclinations and selfishness.

We must seek the welfare of others, not only ourselves. In this way, we lift up our souls to be cleansed from taint and impurity.

Sovereignty within the Kingdom

Emotional attribute: Malchus -kingdom, sovereignty, autonomy

Malchus (sovereignty) may also be rendered as autonomy. Human beings are created in G-d’s image, so we are obligated by our godly nature, at least to make an attempt to reflect His attributes. We were also given free will; therefore, to varying degrees, we may seek an autonomous stance in life; yet, to see ourselves as independent of G-d would only be self-deception. Ultimate deference should be shown to G-d, through obeisance of His commandments, as well as an acknowledgment of His greater wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9)

G-d’s sovereignty is made known through His commandments; and the enactment of his judgments. His sovereignty may be recognized in the manner that the natural world is continues to function well under the right conditions. He not only created the world, He also interacts via His guidance. Every atom and cell of all life is still maintained by the energizing principle of His spirit. Even inanimate things like rocks, composed of minerals, would disintegrate, if its integrity was not upheld by a minute amount of the divine.

Yesod: Foundation

Sixth week of the Counting of the Omer

The middah (character trait) of yesod, meaning foundation, amongst other renderings, such as covenant, bonding, and Tzaddik (Righteous One). Where is the stability in our lives? Are there consistent factors in our lives that contribute to a sense of stability? Or are we standing on shifting sands, always changing with the winds of the time? Societal norms will always change; yet, lasting values are grounded in sound ethical, religious, or moral principles. Our foundational beliefs will sustain throughout the challenges of life, from both within ourselves and from without.