TELL April-May 2019

names for the seven attributes are
derived from a verse in the Tanach
and each one describes an aspect of
the personality that can be improved
and refined during the Omer.
These attributes are connected to the
holy spark within each person. With
each week it is hoped that there is
a level of self-refinement that will
allow us to “receiving the Torah” on
Shavuot in a new way each year.
In the following few paragraphs
there are some suggestions for daily
awareness practices for the Omer.
Of course there are plenty of other
ideas that will be sparked by these. As
each person is unique, their journey
through the Omer is unique.
CHESED – COMPASSION AND
LOVING KINDNESS
Week 1 of the Omer begins
the eve of the 20th of April
During this week one can reflect on
the aspect of compassion in one’s
life. During the day there is an
invitation to notice when you feel
compassion, when people act with
kindness towards you, in which
situations it is harder for you to feel
compassion…are there times of the
day when compassion is easier to feel?
Symbols connected to the
aspect of chesed are:
The colour white, the angel
Michael, the qualities of: opening,
giving, generosity and empathy.
GEVURAH –
STRENGTH AND JUSTICE
Week 2 of the Omer – begins
the eve of the 27th of April
Each quality is more than just
one word. Some associations
traditionally given to Gevurah are:
the colour red, the angel Gavriel,
the qualities of: strength, courage,
restraint, discernment, boundary
setting and a sense of social justice.
During this week one could notice
when issues concerning boundaries
arise. Also you could notice situations
when courage and strength are
needed and how you react to
those situations. In the spirit of
Gevurah you might decide to tidy
a messy drawer during this week!
TIFERET – BEAUTY AND LOVE
Week 3 of the Omer – begins
the eve of the 4th of May
Symbols associated with Tiferet
are the colour green, the symbol of
the Star of David, the angel Uriel,
the qualities of beauty, love, openheartedness.
Tiferet is a balance
of Chesed and Gevurah so it is
connected to the ability to balance
giving and receiving in one’s life.
During this week you might choose
to notice the flow of giving and
receiving that takes place on many
levels with each activity to do.
NETSACH – ENDURANCE
Week 4 of the Omer – begins
the eve of the 11th of May
The qualities connected to Netsach
are the ability to persevere, optimism
and ambition. During this week
one might sit down and write
one’s ambitions – short term, mid
term and long term. This is an
exercise that helps see one’s life in
perspective. You might explore
which things in your life enhance
your vitality and which drain you.
Notice each time you feel optimistic
and be aware of how it feel as well
as what you are optimistic about.
HOD – HUMILITY AND
SPLENDOUR
Week 5 of the Omer
– begins the eve of
the 18th of May
The quality of Hod
is often connected to
Aharon the High Priest.
It is the part of each
person that is able to set
the Ego aside and feel
humility and connection.
This quality is also connected to
sacrifice. During this week you
might choose to notice when you do
things for others – a sacrifice of sorts.
During the week notice when you
are humble and when you are not.
YESOD – FOUNDATION AND
BONDING
Week 6 of the Omer – begins
the eve of the 25th of May
Yesod has many associations – it
literally means foundation, thus
it is a good time to look at one’s
foundations in one’s life. It is a good
time to ask oneself what are the
things that are REALLY important
to me? What are my core values, my
foundation? Yesod is also the quality
of bonding and thus it is a week of
noticing our connection with others
– with family, friends, work associates
Conversations about Israel
Every Monday, join Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins
or guest speakers to examine the complex
issues facing contemporary Israel.
Monday mornings from 10:00-11:30
PRAYER
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