Foundation of Endurance, 27 Days Omer 5782

May 12

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Today is twenty-seven days, which is three weeks and six days of the Omer in the year 5782. יסוד שבנצח, Yesod ShebeNetzach, Foundation of Endurance. Connecting with the piece within that helps us endure these unprecedented times. Knowing our "why" that sees us through all circumstances.

Are There Cracks in Your Endurance?

Baruch HaShem, we are all alive. But are we all completely here? We aren't fully on the other side of this pandemic. We have not processed all the experiences we've lived through. The rifts between us seem to be widening. Brokenness is a natural part of life. If we are living honestly, we recognize that being "only human," means that we never stop living with brokenness.

Yet, our spiritual practice can hold space for that brokenness while moving us forward on our journeys. That's why Leonard Cohen wrote Anthem:

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
Leonard Cohen, "Anthem" lyrics provided by MusicMatch in Google search

We must honor the cracks within us, while never letting them overwhelm us. It is a dance between our brokenness and our growth.

Realistic Goals, Realistic Companionship

Whatever you want to do in your life, start small. Take it one step at a time and never beat yourself up for stumbling back into bad habits. Honor yourself by being a realistic companion to the Ideals compelling you towards revelation.

This Omer journey is not about book knowledge or perfectly understanding the sefirot. It is about inner contemplation, honoring the values we hold dear, and clearing away the debris that stops us from fully hearing God's revelation on Shavuot, which begins in the evening on Saturday, June 4. Five days after my ordination. What sign posts are you moving towards in your life?

As an aside, AJRCA published my blog post on my journey to the rabbinate.