Omer 2019 Day 21: Canadian Geese

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Omer 2019 Day 21: Malchut in Tiferet, Leadership in Beauty

Canadian Geese

Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay

If you live in North America, there's a decent chance that you've seen the characteristic V-shaped formations of Canadian geese that streak across the sky during the autumn and spring months. As most people know, these animals migrate south to avoid the harsh northern winters, then they return north as temperatures begin to rise in the south. If you're into physics, you've probably guessed that this characteristic flight strategy minimizes wind resistance and maximizes flying efficiency. (If you've ever seen the movie The Mighty Ducks, you'll recognize it as a winning hockey strategy too). But what you may not know is that typically it is the younger geese that lead the way. Older geese fly toward the back of the flock, with the younger geese toward the front, to teach their offspring how to find their way. This beautiful act of leadership can teach us that it's not always about showcasing your knowledge, but rather acknowledging the value of teaching others how to find their way.

But make no mistake: geese are not saintly leaders. All that honking you hear overhead? That's grandma goose insisting that "had we just stopped and asked for directions, we wouldn't be driving in circles, and still might be able to make the all-you-can eat buffet!"

This year's animal Omer is a collaboration between myself and my friend Halli, a PhD in animal science. Thank you for counting the Omer with us!