Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Omer 2017 Day 23: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots


Day 23: Gevurah in Netzach, Strength in Endurance
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips

Those evil-natured robots
They're programmed to destroy us
She's gotta be strong to fight them
So she's taking lots of vitamins


I know that early May is not the time for New Year's resolutions, but let's talk about them anyway, because like New Year's resolutions, counting the Omer is a time for self-reflection and improvement. The most common resolutions are about becoming healthier or more organized, taking on a new hobby or learning a new skill, and changing your spending/saving habits. Every January, people join a gym, create a reading list challenge for themselves, download a new money management app, and eventually let those things fall by the wayside as time goes by. Our habits and routines can be hard to change. There are things I've said I will commit to as I count the Omer this year, last year, and in years past, that I haven't stuck to. As long as some of those changes endure long-term, I'm happy and I will be a stronger person for it. Maybe next year I can get one more change to stick, and another the year after that, and, like Yoshimi's vitamins, the changes will build up over time to make me a stronger person.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Omer 2017 Day 22: You Make Me Feel So Young


Day 22: Chesed in Netzach, Love in Eternity
You Make Me Feel So Young by Frank Sinatra

And even when I'm old and gray
I'm gonna feel the way I do, today
Because you make me feel so young

Love puts a little extra pep my step and, while I get older every year, love still gives me butterflies and makes me act goofy.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Omer 2017 Day 21: Hatikvah


Day 21: Malchut in Tiferet, Leadership in Beauty
Hatikvah, Israeli National Anthem
Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day


In celebration of Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, I give you Israel's beautiful national anthem, Hatikvah ("the hope"). The song expresses the long-awaited hope for freedom. Yesterday was Yom Ha'Zikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, which always falls the day before their Independence Day. Together, these holidays remind us that freedom comes at a cost; we must stand up for ourselves to safeguard the beautiful lives we have built in freedom and to pass on a world of hope and possibility to the next generation.