Author: omerharvest

Daily Omer Haiku 5777 by Yael Raff Peskin

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DAY 1 – OMER 5777
CHESED (lovingkindness) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
sadness shades counting
dedicated to shira
singing a new song

DAY 2 – OMER 5777
GEVURAH (inner strength) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
outpouring of love
cradling your tenderness
embracing your heart

DAY 3 – OMER 5777
TIFERET (beauty/harmony/compassion) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
tender compassion
delighting in harmony
resting in beauty

DAY 4 – OMER 5777
boundless compassion
loving beyond the ages
sweetest harmony

DAY 5 – OMER 5777 
journeys of lifetimes
loving beyond the ages
a deep bow to you

DAY 6 – OMER 5777
gutsy kind of love
inspiring us onward
calling of the heart

DAY 7 – OMER 5777
heart of schechina
singing in divine chorus
all is forgiven

DAY 8 – OMER 5777
drawing strength from love
compassionate discernment
rivers rushing through rocks

DAY 9 – OMER 5777
be brave, courageous
focus on being focused
do not stray from truth

DAY 10 – OMER 5777
beauty out of time
hanging on while letting go
dancing cheek to cheek

DAY 12 – OMER 5777
fire and awe return
decimating illusions
no longer afraid

DAY 13 – OMER 5777
I am here for you
bonded for life and beyond
deep roots intertwined

DAY 14 – OMER 5777
divine embracing
out of the depths of sorrow
true love emerges

DAY 15 – OMER 5777
CHESED (boundless lovingkindness) -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> EAST (balance)
Strawberries -> Tangerines, Oranges
take me in your arms
trust me with your tenderness
sing to me of love
 
DAY 16 – OMER 5777
dreamy wonderland
buoyed up, raring to go
such beauty, so good
GEVURAH (inner strength, discernment, focus) -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> EAST (balance)
Raspberries -> Tangerines, Oranges

DAY 17 – OMER 5777
immersive beauty
singing our own harmonies
broken open hearts
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)  -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)
EAST (balance) -> EAST (balance)
Tangerines/Oranges -> Tangerines/Oranges Song of the day – Dida (Joan Baez & Joni Mitchell – beautiful harmonies)
+ a bonus today (for double Tiferet!) – SkyDances (Holly Near singing her own harmonies) 

DAY 19 – OMER 5777
glorious calling
inspired masses marching
standing on one foot
HOD (splendor, awe, humility)  -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)
BELOW (rootedness) -> EAST (balance)
Green Grapes -> Tangerines/Oranges
Song of the day – Bread & Roses (Judy Collins)

DAY 20 – OMER 5777
hearts racing through surf
neshama and oliver
grace and beauty soar
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)
WEST (blending) -> EAST (balance)
Blueberries -> Tangerines/Oranges
Song of the day –  Gracias a la Vida (Mercedes Sosa & Joan Baez)
(English translation of Violet Parra’s beautiful lyrics)

DAY 21 – OMER 5777
singing for our lives
serenaded by angels
divine compassion
MALCHUT/SHECHINA (majesty, divinity)  -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)
CENTER (fullness) -> EAST (balance)
Blackberries -> Tangerines/Oranges
Song of the day – Singing for Our Lives (Holly Near) 

DAY 22 – OMER 5777
eternity calls
tall grasses, gentle breezes
living for these times
CHESED (boundless lovingkindness)  -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Strawberries -> Bananas
Song of the day – Ol’ 55 (Tom Waits)

DAY 23 – OMER 5777
gathering our strength
we’re in it for the long haul
meeting each moment
GEVURAH (focused inner strength) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Raspberries -> Bananas
Song of the day – The Easy Way (Dar Williams)

DAY 24 – OMER 5777
music that endures
encouraging us onward
we shall overcome
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
EAST (balance) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Tangerines/Oranges -> Bananas
Song of the day – We Shall Overcome

DAY 26 – OMER 5777
awesome tasks find us
how far can we stretch our hearts?
do not shy away
HOD (awe, humility) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
BELOW (rootedness) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Green Grapes -> Bananas
Song of the day –  Between Here and Gone (Mary Chapin Carpenter)

DAY 27 – OMER 5777
how can we go on?
together we can make it
always, forever
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
WEST (blending) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Blueberries -> Bananas
Song of the day –  You Are the Sunshine of My Life (Stevie Wonder, Live at the Obama White House)

DAY 28 – OMER 5777
ocean waves soothe us
connecting with the divine
nothing can kill ants
MALCHUT (majesty, divinity) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
CENTER (fullness) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Blackberries -> Bananas
Song of the day –  Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole)

DAY 29 – OMER 5777
glimpses of splendor
boundless joy for a moment
dancing in your light
CHESED (boundless lovingkindness) -> HOD (splendor, awe, humility)
SOUTH (inner clarity) -> BELOW (rootedness)
Strawberries -> Green Grapes/Kiwis
Song of the day –  Make Someone Happy (Barbra Streisand, Quartet Version)

DAY 30 – OMER 5777
visions melt away
change is just the way things are
shifting with the times
GEVURAH (inner strength, restraint, discernment) -> HOD (splendor, awe, humility)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> BELOW (rootedness)
Raspberries –> Green Grapes/Kiwis
Song of the day –  The Times They Are A’Changin (Bob Dylan, live 1964)

DAY 31 – OMER 5777
beauty becomes us
gorgeous harmony sings us
compassionate souls
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion) -> HOD (splendor, awe, humility)
EAST (balance) -> BELOW (rootedness)
Tangerines/Oranges –> Green Grapes/Kiwis
Song of the day –  We Are the World

DAY 33 (LAG B’OMER!) – OMER 5777
glory of glories
happy anniversary
wonders never cease
HOD (splendor, awe, humility) -> HOD (splendor, awe, humility)
BELOW (rootedness) -> BELOW (rootedness)
Green Grapes/Kiwis -> Green Grapes/Kiwis
Song of the day –  Still Crazy After All These Years (Paul Simon)

DAY 34 – OMER 5777
rise and be counted
tenderness of the season
butterfly kisses
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> HOD (splendor, awe, humility)
WEST (blending) -> BELOW (rootedness)
Blueberries -> Green Grapes/Kiwis
Song of the day –  Glory of Love (Bette Midler)

DAY 35 – OMER 5777
buoyed up by love
comforted in our despair
we are not alone
MALCHUT/SHECHINA (majesty, loving inclusion, all embracing) -> HOD (splendor, awe, humility)
CENTER (fullness) -> BELOW (rootedness)
Blackberries -> Green Grapes/Kiwis
Song of the day –  Wooden Ships (Crosby, Stills & Nash)

DAY 36 – OMER 5777
overflowing love
from the depths of our being
making our own way
CHESED (boundless lovingkindness)  -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
SOUTH (inner clarity) -> WEST (blending)
Strawberries -> Blueberries
Song of the day –  What the World Needs Now (“Broadway for Orlando”)

DAY 37 – OMER 5777
strength of convictions
floodgates hold back tidal waves
standing our own ground
GEVURAH (inner strength, restraint)  -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> WEST (blending)
Raspberries -> Blueberries
Song of the day –  I Am Woman (Helen Reddy)

DAY 38 – OMER 5777
beauty shining through
source of creativity
singing through us all
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)  -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
EAST (balance) -> WEST (blending)
Tangerines/Oranges -> Blueberries
Song of the day –  Sing / Make Your Own Kind of Music (Barbra Streisand, live concert)

DAY 40 – OMER 5777
parched and determined
forty days of wandering
windblown tumbleweed
HOD (splendor, awe, humility)  -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
BELOW (rootedness) -> WEST (blending)
Green Grapes -> Blueberries
Song of the day – Wrap the Sun Around You  (Holly Near)

DAY 41 – OMER 5777
ever more ourselves

rivers rush into oceans
changer and the changed
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
WEST (blending) -> WEST (blending)
Blueberries -> Blueberries
Song of the day –  The Changer and The Changed  (Cris Williamson)

DAY 42 – OMER 5777 sowing our wild oats
gathering integrity
whispering willows
MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)  -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
CENTER (fullness) -> WEST (blending)
Blackberries -> Blueberries
Song of the day –  Fields of Gold (Eva Cassidy)

DAY 44 – OMER 5777
strength in our resolve
we are standing on sacred ground
speaking only love
GEVURAH (inner strength, restraint, discernment)  -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> CENTER (fullness)
Raspberries -> Blackberries
Song of the day –  If Not For You (George Harrison & Bob Dylan in rehearsal)

DAY 45 – OMER 5777 heavenly banquet
serenaded by angels
tasting the divine
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion) -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
EAST (balance) -> CENTER (fullness)
Tangerines -> Blackberries

DAY 47 – OMER 5777

open to wonder
with each step, splendor abounds
awe lives in moments
HOD (splendor, awe, humility)  -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
BELOW (rootedness) -> CENTER (fullness)
Green Grapes  -> Blackberries
Song of the day –  In the Great Scheme of Things (Betsy Rose)

DAY 48 – OMER 5777
roundabout journeys
setting our sites on Sinai
gathering of tribes
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
WEST (blending) -> CENTER (fullness)
Blueberries  -> Blackberries

DAY 49 – OMER 5777
shema yisroel
adonai eloheinu
adonai echad
MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity) -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
CENTER (fullness) -> CENTER (fullness)
Blackberries  -> Blackberries

Hiddur Sefirat Ha’Omer (Beautifying the Counting of the Omer)

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Linking together the harvest festivals of Passover and Shavuot is the seven-week period of Sefirat Ha’Omer (Counting the Omer). 

In the Jewish mystical tradition, each day of the Omer period represents a combination of qualities, drawing from the seven lower sefirot of the Tree of Life:  

  • CHESED  (Boundless Lovingkindness)
  • GEVURAH  (Focussed Strength, Discernment, Restraint)
  • TIFERET  (Beauty, Harmony, Compassion)
  • NETZACH  (Endurance, Perseverance)
  • HOD  (Humility, Splendor, Awe)
  • YESOD  (Bonding, Foundation)
  • MALCHUT  (Majesty, Divinity)

Another model draws from the Hebrew Aboriginal Medicine Wheel and uses the seven directions:

  • SOUTH (Inner Clarity, Essential/Self)
  • NORTH (Vision, Mystery)
  • EAST (Balance)
  • ABOVE (Essential/Universal)
  • BELOW (Rootedness)
  • WEST (Blending)
  • CENTER (Fullness)

In both traditions, each of these qualities correlates with each week of the Omer period, as well as with each day of the week. In this way, there are 49 different combinations of qualities over the seven-week Omer period, offering great encouragement for deep personal introspection and exploration. (See Omer Calendar 5780 for this year, 5780/2020)

In Hebrew, ‘hiddur’ means to make beautiful and there is a longstanding tradition of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying a mitzvah) going beyond what is required to perform a mitzvah by infusing our spiritual practice with beauty. Embellishing and adorning ritual objects (such as challah coverings, kiddish cups, seder plates, menorahs, etc.) can enhance and beautify our experience of ritual, and beauty itself then takes on a spiritual dimension.

Omer Harvest is my offering to celebrate the practice of Hiddur Sefirat Ha’Omer–beautifying the counting of the Omer!

Over the last years, there has been growing interest in exploring creative ways to count the Omer. In addition to many new insightful books and comprehensive guides, people have been using beads, painting, quilting, poetry, chanting, yoga and so much more to fully embody and beautify their journeys through the Omer period.  

It is my hope that Omer Harvest will offer support, encouragement and inspiration to individuals and communities drawn to explore new ways of embodying and beautifying the practice of Counting the Omer. I look forward to seeing your artistic offerings and to include them in our Omer Harvest!

With great anticipation,
Yael Raff Peskin – Omer Calendar 5781

Daily Omer Haiku 5776 by Yael Raff Peskin

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FIRST DAY OF THE OMER 5776
CHESED (lovingkindness) -> CHESED (lovngkindness)

SOUTH (inner clarity) -> SOUTH (inner clarity)

Strawberries -> Strawberries
tenderness returns
leading with lovingkindness
journeying onward
 
SECOND DAY OF THE OMER 5776
GEVURAH (inner strength)
 -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
NORTH (vision, mystery)
 -> SOUTH (inner clarity)
Raspberries -> Strawberries
summoning my strength
taking hold with all my heart
love finds its own path
 
THIRD DAY OF THE OMER 5776
TIFERET (beauty, harmony) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
EAST (balance) -> SOUTH (inner clarity)
Tangerines -> Strawberries
delighting in spring
laughter dancing with anguish
boundless compassion
 
FOURTH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
NETZACH (endurance, perseverance) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
ABOVE (essential/universal) -> SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self)
Bananas -> Strawberries (smoothies!)
through thick and through thin
loving beyond space and time
endless gratitude
 
FIFTH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
HOD (humility, splendor, awe) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
BELOW (rootedness) -> SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self)
Green Grapes/Kale -> Strawberries
breathing in this moment
accepting life as it is
breathing out grandeur
 
SIXTH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
WEST (blending) -> SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self)
Blueberries -> Strawberries
loving connections
falling into open arms
creative juices
 
SEVENTH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
MALCHUT (majesty, divinity) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
CENTER (fullness) -> SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self)
Blackberries/Purple Grapes -> Strawberries
accidents happen
resting in the not knowing
loving mystery
 
 
EIGHTH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
CHESED (lovingkindness) -> GEVURAH (discernment, inner strength)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
Strawberries -> Raspberries
drawing strength from love
embracing with all our hearts 
joyful containment
 
NINTH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
GEVURAH (inner strength) -> GEVURAH (inner strength)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
Raspberries -> Raspberries
beyond our efforts
beyond what seems possible
strength lies deep within
 
TENTH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion) -> GEVURAH (inner strength)
EAST (balance) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
Tangerines/Oranges -> Raspberries
beautifying limits
harmonizing dissonance
softening edges
 
ELEVENTH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
NETZACH (endurance, perseverance) -> GEVURAH (inner strength)
ABOVE (essential) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
Bananas/Pineapple -> Raspberries
everlasting strength
inextinguishable strength
unrattled by time
 
TWELFTH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
HOD (humility, splendor, awe) -> GEVURAH (inner strength)
BELOW (rootedness) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
Green Grapes/Kale -> Raspberries
longing for wholeness
venturing deeper within
resting in moments
 
13TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
YESOD (bonding, foundation, creativity) -> GEVURAH (inner strength)
WEST (blending) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
Blueberries -> Raspberries
counting on your love
drawing strength from connection
standing on firm ground
 
14TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
MALCHUT (majesty, divinity, completion) -> GEVURAH (inner strength)
CENTER (fullness) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
Blackberries/Purple Grapes -> Raspberries
focus becomes blurred
all boundaries fall away
all is forgiven
 

Happy Mothers’ Day
15TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
CHESED (lovingkindness) -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony)
SOUTH (inner clarity) -> EAST (balance)
Strawberries -> Tangerines
loving our beauties
mothering will all our hearts
balancing worlds
 
16TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
GEVURAH (inner strength, discernment) -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> EAST (balance)
Raspberries -> Tangerines
waking to beauty
strengthening my compassion
aching for goodness
 
17TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)-> TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)
EAST (balance) -> EAST (balance)
Tangerines -> Tangerines
soothing tender hearts
seeing beauty everywhere
including our own
 
18TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
NETZACH (endurance, perseverence)-> TIFERET (beauty, harmony,  compassion)
ABOVE (essential, universal) -> EAST (balance)
Bananas /Pinneapple -> Tangerines
endless compassion
unfolding beauty revealed
timeless harmony
 
19TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
HOD (humility, awe) -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony,  compassion)
BELOW (rootedness) -> EAST (balance)
Green Grapes/Kale -> Tangerines
catching divine sparks
holiness streaming through light
bonfires of the heart
 
20TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion)
WEST (blending) -> EAST (balance)
Blueberries -> Tangerines
drawing from our depths
connection brings compassion
beauty arises
 
22ND DAY OF THE OMER 5776
CHESED (lovingkindness) -> NETZACH (endurance, perseverance, eternity)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Strawberries -> Bananas (smoothies all week!)
broken open hearts
we’re in this for the long haul
second, third chances
 
23RD DAY OF THE OMER 5776
GEVURAH (inner strength, discernment) -> NETZACH (endurance, perseverance, eternity)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Raspberries -> Bananas (smoothies all week!)
just show up again
waves returning to ocean
again and again
 
24TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compasiion) -> NETZACH (endurance, perseverance, eternity)
EAST (balance) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Oranges/Tangerines -> Bananas (smoothies all week!)
endless starry nights
sunrises restoring hope
eternity shines
 
25TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
NETZACH (endurance, perseverance)-> NETZACH (endurance, perseverance, eternity)
ABOVE (essential/universal) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Bananas  -> Bananas (smoothies all week!)
gifts of the journey
coming through the halfway gate
open to what comes
 
26TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
HOD (humility, awe) -> NETZACH (endurance, perseverance, eternity)
BELOW (rootedness) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Green Grapes/Kale -> Bananas (smoothies all week!)
our eternal selves
waking up in each moment
returning to source
 
27TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> NETZACH (endurance, perseverance, eternity)
WEST (blending) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Blueberries -> Bananas (smoothies all week!)
deeper connections
bonding can be letting go
souls outlast lifetimes
 
29TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
CHESED (lovingkindness) -> HOD (humility, awe)
SOUTH (inner clarity) -> BELOW (rootedness)
Strawberries -> Green Apples/Kale
humbled in your arms
awed by your tender kindness
laughter heals the heart

30TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
GEVURAH (inner strength, discernment) -> HOD (humility, awe) 
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> BELOW (rootedness)
Raspberries -> Green Apples/Kale 
home court advantage 
even champions can fall
heads up, go get ’em!

31ST DAY OF THE OMER 5776
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion) -> HOD (humility, awe) 
EAST (balance) -> BELOW (rootedness)
Tangerines/Oranges -> Green Apples/Kale 
interweaving joy
cultivating mindfulness
beautifying time

Happy Lag B’Omer from Santa Fe!
33RD DAY OF THE OMER 5776
 HOD (humility, awe)  -> HOD (humility, awe) 
 BELOW (rootedness) -> BELOW (rootedness)
 Green Apples/Kale -> Green Apples/Kale 
wide open wonder
astounding magnificence
reveling in awe

40TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776

HOD (humility, awe)  -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
BELOW (rootedness) -> WEST (blending/transformation)
 Green Apples/Kale -> Blueberries
 returning again
 inspiration streaming through
 awesome connections

41ST DAY OF THE OMER 5776
YESOD (bonding, foundation)  -> YESOD (bonding, foundation) 
WEST (blending/transformation)-> WEST (blending/transformation)
Blueberries-> Blueberries
strengthening our ties
dwelling in deep connection
bonding at the root

43RD DAY OF THE OMER 5776
CHESED (lovingkindness)  -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> CENTER (fullness) 
Strawberries -> Blackberries/Purple Grapes
finishing touches
vessels of lovingkindness

pouring out our hearts

44TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
GEVURAH (inner strength, discernment)  -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> CENTER (fullness) 
Raspberries  -> Blackberries/Purple Grapes
rounding the corner
following my own footsteps

mystery strengthened

45TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
TIFERET (beauty, harmony) -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
EAST (balance) -> CENTER (fullness) 
Tangerines/Oranges -> Blackberries/Purple Grapes
running with the wind
diving into ocean waves
singing our hearts out

46TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
NETZACH (endurance, perseverance, eternity) -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
ABOVE (essential/universal) -> CENTER (fullness)
Bananas -> Blackberries/Purple Grapes
loving without end
enduring divine presence
kissed by forever
 
47TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
HOD (humility, splendor, awe) -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
BELOW (rootedness) -> CENTER (fullness)
Green Apples/Green Grapes -> Blackberries/Purple Grapes
glory passing by
humbled in splendor’s presence
awestruck in moments

48TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
WEST (blending/transformation) -> CENTER (fullness) 
Blueberries -> Blackberries/Purple Grapes

form and emptiness
divine journeys intertwined
deepest connections

49TH DAY OF THE OMER 5776
MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)-> MALCHUT/SHECHINAH (majesty, divinity)
CENTER (fullness) -> CENTER (fullness) 
Blackberries/Purple Grapes -> Blackberries/Purple Grapes

sh’ma yisroel
adonai eloheinu
adonai echad

Daily Omer Haiku 5775 by Yael Raff Peskin

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FIRST DAY OF THE OMER 5775
CHESED (lovingkindness) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) 
Strawberries -> Strawberries
here we go again
leading with our hearts once more
re-framing true love

THIRD DAY OF THE OMER 5775
TIFERET (beauty/harmony) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
EAST (balance) -> SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self)
Tangerines -> Strawberries
love is for the birds
spreading our wings, taking flight

soaring with our hearts

FOURTH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
NETZACH (endurance/perseverance) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
ABOVE (essential/universal) -> SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self)
seasons of our love
wavering, unwavering
who knows where time goes

FIFTH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
HOD (humility/awe/splendor) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
BELOW (rootedness) -> SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self)
bathed in divine light
falling into god’s embrace
love streaming through me

SIXTH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
YESOD (bonding/foundation) -> CHESED (lovingkindness)
WEST (blending) -> SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self)
passing over love
hearts hanging in the balance
god is on both sides

EIGHTH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
CHESED (lovingkindness) -> GEVURAH (focussed strength, discernment)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
loving boundaries
liberation within form

thank god, free at last

NINTH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
GEVURAH (focussed strength, discernment) -> GEVURAH (focussed strength)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
unflinching focus
steadfast determination
not turning away

TENTH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion) -> GEVURAH (focussed strength)
EAST (balance) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
softening our gaze
deepening our commitments
honoring our hearts

ELEVENTH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
NETZACH (endurance, perseverance) -> GEVURAH (focussed strength)
ABOVE (essential/universal) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
for better and worse
we’re in this for the long haul

mystery abounds

TWELFTH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
HOD (humility, splendor, awe) -> GEVURAH (focussed strength)
BELOW (rootedness) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
taking backward steps
beyond imagination
letting go of dreams

13TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> GEVURAH (focussed strength)
WEST (blending) -> NORTH (vision, mystery)
from depths of being
drawing on all mothers’ strength
answering god’s plea

15TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
CHESED (outpouring of lovingkindness) -> TIFERET (beauty, harmony)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> EAST (balance)
counting on god’s love
tightrope walking with a net
balancing our hearts

17TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion) -> TIFERET (beauty, compassion)
EAST (balance) -> EAST (balance)
Tangerine -> Tangerine
body, speech and mind
free from dust, pure and shining
within and without

18TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
NETZACH (perseverance, endurance) -> TIFERET (beauty, compassion)
ABOVE (essential/universal) -> EAST (balance)
Banana -> Tangerine
for art zoloth, z”l
onward and beyond
memories of adventures
laughter beyond time

 
23RD DAY OF THE OMER 5775
GEVURAH (inner focus, discernment) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Raspberries -> Banana
how to forge ahead
quiet consideration
wading through god’s time

24TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
TIFERET (beauty, compassion) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
EAST (balance) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Tangerine -> Banana
awesome harmonies
compassionate attuning
balancing our hearts
 
25TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
NETZACH (perseverance, endurance) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
ABOVE (essential-universal) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Banana -> Banana
beyond endurance
from nepal to baltimore
rising from rubble
 
26TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
HOD (humility, splendor, awe) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)

BELOW (rootedness) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
Kale -> Banana
dancing with all time
weaving tapestries of awe
god smiles in gassho
 
27TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> NETZACH (perseverance, endurance)
WEST (blending) -> ABOVE (essential/universal)
through the wilderness
mothering with my kishkes

are you with me, god?!

29TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
CHESED (boundless lovingkindness) -> HOD (humility, splendor, awe)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> BELOW (rootedness)
entering stillness
each moment, each breath, each smile
these days, god counts too

30TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
GEVURAH (inner strength, boundaries) -> HOD (humility, splendor, awe)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> BELOW (rootedness)
catching up on sleep
honoring limitations
sticking close to home

31ST DAY OF THE OMER 5775
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, balance) -> HOD (humility, splendor, awe)
EAST (balance) -> BELOW (rootedness)
each day more tender
compassionate gratitude
even for tick bites

32ND DAY OF THE OMER 5775
NETZACH (endurance, perseverance) -> HOD (humility, splendor, awe)
ABOVE (essential/universal) -> BELOW (rootedness)
attuning to joy
endless possibilities
well-traveled pathways

33RD DAY OF THE OMER 5775 – LAG B’OMER!
HOD (humility, splendor, awe) -> HOD (humility, splendor, awe)
BELOW (rootedness) -> BELOW (rootedness)
our fruitful journey
daily sephirot smoothies!
garden of delight

34TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
YESOD (bonding, foundation) -> HOD (humility, splendor, awe)
WEST (blending) -> BELOW (rootedness)
trekking through valleys
god stumbles along with us
swimming in gene pools

36TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775 –Mothers’ Day
CHESED (outpouring of boundless love) -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> WEST (blending)
women of valor
more precious than carnations
singing your praises

37TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
GEVURAH (inner strength, discernment) -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> WEST (blending)
not letting go now
we’ve come this far together
destiny calling

38TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
TIFERET (beauty, harmony, compassion) -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
EAST (balance) -> WEST (blending)
momentary pause
balancing mortality
cherish the fleeting

39TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775 
NETZACH (endurance, perseverance) -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
ABOVE (essential/universal) -> WEST (blending)
turning more inward
counting on your true presence
patience becomes you

40TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
HOD (presence, humility, splendor, awe) -> YESOD (bonding, foundation)
BELOW (rootedness) -> WEST (blending)
journey through our guts
forty days of wandering
awesome connection

43RD DAY OF THE OMER 5775
CHESED (outpouring of boundless love) -> MALCHUT (divine majesty)
SOUTH (inner clarity, essential/self) -> CENTER (fullness)
dancing with all hearts
whirling with the beloved
great love knows no bounds

44TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
GEVURAH (inner strength, discernment) -> MALCHUT (divine majesty)
NORTH (vision, mystery) -> CENTER (fullness)
god is letting go
trusting interconnections
inner connections

45TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
TIFERET (compassion, beauty, harmony) -> MALCHUT (divine majesty)
EAST (balance) -> CENTER (fullness)
packing for sinai
mercury in retrograde
divine patience reigns

46TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
NETZACH (compassion, beauty, harmony) -> MALCHUT (divine majesty)
ABOVE (essential/universal) -> CENTER (fullness)
traveling pilgrim
S-F-O to A-B-Q
mountaintop awaits

47TH DAY OF THE OMER 5775
HOD (gratitude, awe, splendor, humility) -> MALCHUT (divine majesty)
BELOW (rootedness) -> CENTER (fullness)
ready for silence
ready for deep spaciousness
open to god’s time

Omer Calendars by Rabbi Margaret Holub

~ omerharvest ~ Leave a comment

Nisan 5780 / April 2020

Dear ones,

Every year I try to pay attention to the omer, the period of 49 days between [the second day of] Passover and Shavuot. It is supposed to be a journeying time, a time of introspection and preparation for the sublime experience of Mount Sinai. In Torah we are told to count these days.

The blessing for counting the omer is:

ברוך אתא יי אלהינו מלך העולם
אשר קדשנו במצוותיו וצונו על ספירת האומר
היום יום ] [ של האומר
י
Ba-ruch a-ta ADONAI el-o-hei-nu mel-ech ha-olam
a-sher kid-sha-nu b-mitz-vo-tav v-tzi-va-nu
AL SFI-RAT HA-O-MER

Ha-yom yom [ number ] shel ha-omer.

Blessed is God, the Source of All
Who has given us the sacred obligation
to count the omer.

Today is the [ number ] day of the omer.

The kabbalists gave us the practice of counting by attending to seven sefirot, aspects of the Tree of Life. In this system, each week of the omer is associated with one of the sefirot; and each day within the week is also associated with a sefirah. So each day has two aspects: the weekly aspect and the daily aspect. The combination of these can guide our experience of that day.

One way to think about counting the omer is that we are drawing the holy energy of the upper worlds (where we begin our counting) down towards the world of our everyday life. I have included a practice or reflection for every day of this year’s omer. But what really calls to me this year is contemplating the particular energy of each week — hesed, gevurah, tiferet, netzach, hod, yesod, malkhut — and in every way possible sensing that downward flow of blessing from its highest nature to the most everyday. It is a powerful source of hope — that there is divine energy moving towards every moment. Of course the counting starts with hesed — compassion, generosity, lovingkindness, tenderness. If we just stay there for 49 days, that would be perfect too.

The tradition is to count the omer in the evening, at the very beginning of the day (which begins at sundown.) So I have put the evening dates for each day of the omer. For example, the first day of the omer begins at sunset on Thursday night, April 9, and it continues until sunset on April 10.

With love, Margaret

OMER 5780

The week of HESED — compassion, kindness, flowing love. Think of the word ‘tenderness.’

DAY ONE — 4/9 HESED of HESED —Move with great tenderness.
DAY TWO — 4/10 (Shabbat) GEVURAH of HESED — Honor your own limits.
DAY THREE — 4/11 TIFERET of HESED — Look for graciousness.
DAY FOUR — 4/12 NETZACH of HESED — Look for generosity and kindness in an unexpected place.
DAY FIVE — 4/13 HOD of HESED — Try to find the tiniest possible example of generosity in the world around you.
DAY SIX — 4/14 YESOD of HESED — Try on seeing the world has holding you tenderly.
DAY SEVEN — 4/15 MALCHUT of HESED —Treat yourself nicely.

The week of GEVURAH– strength, rigor, boundaries. Think ‘endurance.’

DAY EIGHT — 4/16 HESED of GEVURAH — Appreciate your own strength.
DAY NINE — 4/17 (Shabbat) GEVURAH of GEVURAH — Insist on rest and renewal.
DAY TEN — 4/18 TIFERET of GEVURAH — Notice someone standing firm in a graceful way.
DAY ELEVEN — 4/19 NETZACH of GEVURAH — Think about an important piece of work that you don’t have energy or skills to do and affirm that you will not take it on.
DAY TWELVE — 4/20 HOD of GEVURAH —Honor someone you see standing firm these days.
DAY THIRTEEN — 4/21 YESOD of GEVURAH — Think about the strength of your forbearers and draw some of that into yourself.
DAY FOURTEEN — 4/22 MALCHUT of GEVURAH —Get through the day!

The week of TIFERET– beauty, balance. Contemplate ‘gentleness.’

DAY FIFTEEN — 4/23 HESED of TIFERET — Bring a soft touch to the day.
DAY SIXTEEN — 4/24 (Shabbat) GEVURAH of TIFERET — Rest deeply and luxuriously.
DAY SEVENTEEN — 4/25 TIFERET of TIFERET — Immerse yourself in beauty.
DAY EIGHTEEN — 4/26 NETZACH of TIFERET — Paradox: allow gentleness to overcome something jagged and harsh.
DAY NINETEEN — 4/27 HOD of TIFERET — Bring quiet into your day.
DAY TWENTY — 4/28 YESOD of TIFERET — Explore hidden stillnesses.
DAY TWENTY-ONE — 4/29 MALCHUT of TIFERET — Don’t be hard on yourself.

The week of NETZACH — power, conquest. Think of ‘getting it done.’

DAY TWENTY-TWO — 4/30 HESED of NETZACH — Take another day to be kind to yourself.
DAY TWENTY-THREE — 5/1 (Shabbat) 5/2 GEVURAH of NETZACH — Notice your quality of commitment.
DAY TWENTY-FOUR — 5/2 TIFERET of NETZACH — Discern whether more or less of your energy energy is called for in a situation.
DAY TWENTY-FIVE — 5/3 NETZACH of NETZACH — Struggle mightily for something you care about, even just for a minute.
DAY TWENTY-SIX — 5/4 HOD of NETZACH — Let someone else take the lead.
DAY TWENTY-SEVEN — 5/5 YESOD of NETZACH — Reflect on what is “yours” to do in this world.
DAY TWENTY-EIGHT — 5/6 MALCHUT of NETZACH — Say what you think and feel.

The week of HOD — thankfulness, humility. Explore surrender.

DAY TWENTY-NINE — 5/7 HESED of HOD — Concede gently what you cannot accomplish.
DAY THIRTY — 5/8 (Shabbat) GEVURAH of HOD — Feel your fatigue.
DAY THIRTY-ONE — 5/9 TIFERET of HOD — Contemplate what others do for you and what you do for yourself.
DAY THIRTY-TWO — 5/10 NETZACH of HOD — Notice when it is time to give in.
DAY THIRTY-THREE (LAG B’OMER) — 5/11 HOD of HOD — Bow before what you cannot change.
DAY THIRTY-FOUR — 5/12 YESOD of HOD — Reflect on how much of your life is built on the vision and struggle of others.
DAY THIRTY-FIVE — 5/13 MALCHUT of HOD — Thank someone.

The week of YESOD — foundation, blueprint, plan. Think ‘meaning.’

DAY THIRTY-SIX — 5/14 HESED of YESOD — Contemplate the web of generosity which makes your own daily life work as well as it does.
DAY THIRTY-SEVEN — 5/15 (Shabbat) GEVURAH of YESOD — Contemplate oneness.
DAY THIRTY-EIGHT — 5/16 TIFERET of YESOD — Contemplate your place in the cosmos.
DAY THIRTY-NINE — 5/17 NETZACH of YESOD —Allow a sense of wholeness to meet up with something broken.
DAY FORTY — 5/18 HOD of YESOD — Honor someone doing a piece of good work in the world that you don’t contribute to yourself.
DAY FORTY-ONE — 5/19 YESOD of YESOD — Contemplate and bless the natural order that sustains us all.
DAY FORTY-TWO — 5/20 (Shabbat) MALCHUT of YESOD —See if you can find some sense in something that seems senseless.

The week of MALCHUT — the present moment, this world. Think, “This is it.”

DAY FORTY-THREE — 5/21 HESED of MALCHUT — Do something kind where it is needed.
DAY FORTY-FOUR — 5/22 (Shabbat) GEVURAH of MALCHUT — Turn off your screens for awhile.
DAY FORTY-FIVE — 5/23 TIFERET of MALCHUT — Beautify something ugly (or appreciate it’s ugliness!)
DAY FORTY-SIX — 5/24 NETZACH of MALCHUT — Do something practical.
DAY FORTY-SEVEN — 5/25 HOD of MALCHUT — Recognize that you are contributing to good in the world, even if you don’t see success.
DAY FORTY-EIGHT — 5/26 YESOD of MALCHUT — Contemplate your schedule, how you spend your time and, if it feels warranted, try to make a change there.
DAY FORTY-NINE — 5/27 (Shabbat) MALCHUT of MALCHUT — Eat, drink, bathe, and do other daily things with delight.

SHAVUOT — 5/28-29(Tikkun Leil Shavuot will be on the night of 5/28.)