WEEK 5 ― HOD ― HUMILITY Lag B’Omer bonfire During the fifth week of counting the Omer, we examine and refine the emotional attribute of Hod or humility. Humility ― and the resulting yielding ― should not be confused with weakness and lack of self-esteem. Hod or humility is modesty ― it is acknowledgment (from the root of the Hebrew…
Sefirat Ha’omer: WEEK 4 ― NETZACH ― ENDURANCE During the fourth week of counting the Omer, we examine and refine the emotional attribute of endurance known as Netzach. Netzach means endurance, fortitude and ambition and is a combination of determination and tenacity. It is a balance of patience, persistence and guts. Endurance is also being reliable and accountable, which establishes…
Sefirat Ha’omer: WEEK 3 ― TIFERET ― HARMONY, COMPASSION. The PDF version of the complete guide to Counting the Omer, Sefirat Ha’omer, all 49 days, can be found here. During the third week of Sefirat Ha’omer, we examine the emotional attribute of Tiferet or compassion. Tiferet blends and harmonizes the free outpouring love of Chesed with the discipline of Gevurah.…
WEEK 2 ― GEVURAH: JUSTICE, DISCIPLINE, RESTRAINT, AWE. The PDF version of the complete guide, all 49 days, can be found here. After the miraculous Exodus from Egypt, the Jewish people spent 49 days preparing for the most awesome experience in human history ― the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Just as the Jewish peoples’ redemption from Egypt…
The most well-known and helpful companion for counting the Omer is Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s guide. Guide to Personal Freedom has been published for many years and has been very helpful for me personally in making my Omer days count. This year (2015/5775) and the next (2016/5776), we have an amazing opportunity for super-charged days of Omer: When Pesach co-insides with…