Counting the Omer – 6/1/24
June 1, 2024
American Conference of Cantors-Convention held in israel
August 22, 2024Saturday, June 8
(after dark, the 47th 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.
Malchut (Sovereignty)
By Ben Zoffness
The potential for inner growth and development is limitless, yet we often find too many faults within ourselves or the world around us to properly reflect and refine our approach. The ability to foster positive changes within oneself, as a catalyst, is the essential element to promoting progressive changes within our environment and inspiring those around us through our actions and good deeds.
Upon further reflection, let us consider the six previous components of the Sefirot: Love, Strength, Beauty, Victory, Spendor, and Foundation. Each of these contributes to the culmination of Sovereignty, which can be interpreted as the nobility of spirit and the manifestation of our greatest potential. Through our Covenant with God and ourselves, Malchut is a reminder that each of us has the capacity to lead with grace and dignity while our actions continuously define our purpose of healing, growth, and progression.
To suggest that all aspects of the Sefirot are actively engaged at all times may not seem practical, nor attainable, which leads us to choose how to love ourselves and, thus, express love to our community. Strength teaches us that we cannot control what happens around us, but we can control how we choose to respond. Beauty is found within each and every moment that we are truly present, while recognizing that our greatest gift is time. Victory may be as simple as offering an act of loving kindness to another in need. Splendor allows us to claim the areas within which we shine. Foundation is fortified by the strong roots of Covenant, cherished loved ones, family, friends, and the core values left behind by those of blessed memory.
On a personal level, I concluded that Sovereignty should allow us to tap into our strengths as much as our imperfections. I believe that success is found when preparation and opportunity meet, however, constantly raising the bar while pushing the goalposts back with additional daily tasks and aspirations often leaves us feeling unfulfilled.
Tonight, instead of recognizing the challenges of accomplishing every intended task, take a moment to appreciate your gifts and the positive impact they have on others. What personal qualities allow you to shine and how can they strengthen our community? What have you done well today and how will the divine attributes that you possess become the positivity required to heal our world tomorrow?