Count the Omer 2015: Day 29

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Day 29: Chesed within Hod, Loving-kindness within Glory and Humility

The week of hod is about splendor, majesty, glory, and humility. It is important that hod is glory and humility, because both are equally important. Too much glory can lead one to get a big head, feel above it all, and act callously toward others. On the other hand, too much humility can turn one into a doormat. In order to show true chesed to others and to oneself, one must have hod.

Count the Omer 2015: Day 28

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Day 28: Malchut within Netzach, Leadership within Eternity

What leadership qualities stand the test of time? Let's look at the leaders we continue to venerate today:
Moses
Abraham Lincoln
Gandhi
Rosa Parks
Martin Luther King
Please feel free to add to this list in the comments. 

Why have these leaders lasted in our memories? They stood up for what was right, lent their voices to the voiceless, and inspired others.

What do you believe in?

Count the Omer 2015: Day 27

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Day 27: Yesod within Netzach, Connection within Endurance

Today's Omer reflection reminds me of one of the meditations before kaddish in Mishkan T'filah, the Reform siddur:

When I die give what's left of me away to children and old men that wait to die. And if you need to cry, cry for your brother walking the street beside you. And when you need me, put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give me.

I want to leave you something, something better than words or sounds. Look for me in the people I've known or loved,and if you cannot give me way, at least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.

You can love me best by letting hands touch hands,and by letting go of children that need to be free. Love doesn't die, people do. So, when all that's left of me is love, give me away.

I could have easily used this meditation for loving-kindness within endurance earlier this week, but I think that it fits better here. What this meditation reminds us is that love endures beyond death and that as long as we keep that love alive, it can strengthen our connections to others.