This week we began the Hebrew month of Iyar. In the hectic rebirth of sping that we feel so acutely here in Rhode Island, we might find ourselves as variable as the weather. When one is not sure whether to don shorts, sweaters, or galoshes, it would be understandable to feel dysregulated; especially coupled with our frantic calendrical march from Pesach to Shavuot and a seemingly relentless newscycle. How can we mindfully experience the journey from Redemption to Revelation amidst life’s din?
Our tradition affords us the opportunity to partake in a ritualized counting of the days that array themselves between here and there. Sefirat HaOmer, the counting of the Omer, provides each of us an invitation into daily presence and awareness. Each night of the 49 days, we meditate on various aspects of divinity that can be tangibly known by a human being.
Tonight on the 18th day of Sefirat HaOmer, we continue our exploration of Tiferet, transcendent beauty; specifically as it relates to Netzach, eternal endurance. Perhaps we have had direct experience of both in the past week alone. When we count the Omer, we recall our own createdness and remind ourselves of our connection and responsibility to the Earth and all its inhabitants.
The month of Iyar is known as a time of healing and spiritual accounting. As we enter Shabbat and look forward to celebrating the Israeli High Holidays of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut next week, may we find ways to bring God’s presence into our relationship with one another. Let us model ourselves after the Holy One, healing the brokenhearted in our midst and binding up their wounds, counting and naming that which seems innumerable. (Psalm 147)
