Counting the Omer – 6/1/24

Saturday, June 1
​​​​​​​(after dark, the 40th day of the Omer)

Counting the Omer
Each Saturday (after sundown) for seven weeks, before we receive the Torah on Shavu’ot, we’ll email you the text of the blessing one says while counting the Omer. Along with it, a meditation written by clergy or fellow congregants.

The Prayer

Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al s’firat haomer.

Praised be You, Adonai our God, who rules the universe, instilling within us the holiness of mitzvot by commanding us to count the Omer.

Today is the _______ day of the Omer.

Yesod
by Ashira Boxman

When two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, God is the electricity that surges between them.
― Martin Buber

On the 40th day of counting the Omer, we are invited to consider the value of Yesod. Yesod has a few different meanings, including, foundation, bonding or rootedness. In creating a foundation or a bond, you can not do it alone. Just as the Israelites could not make it through the desert alone, we can not survive the desert of our life alone either. These days, it may feel like we are living in the desert. As we await the promised land of peace, and security, it becomes imperative to lean on the pillars of love and care woven into our lives. These very relationships and bonds will be what carries us through the rest of our days.

This week of the Omer we are reminded of the holiness that manifests between ourselves and others. Martin Buber relates it to electricity which is sparked by the Holy One when we are in conversation with another person. Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in our interactions fosters a profound connection of souls. Through these soulful bonds, we create a foundation of resilience.  From this foundation, flowers blossom and fruits ripen. Just as gardens require nurturing and sustenance, so too must we nourish our relationships.

This week, I extend an invitation to you: reach out, pick up the phone, go on a walk, or share a cup of coffee with a loved one. Water the gardens of your relationships with openness, love, and hope.  Imagine what the world might look like if each of us spent more time tending to our foundations. Tending to our bonds with others, cultivating the beauty present in each of our souls.