I took the liberty of writing this week’s offering myself. Here it is, following a kavanna for counting.
Blessed is the Infinite Mystery that flows through all the worlds and calls us into holy relationship through the counting of the Omer. – R’ Yael Levy
The first time I counted the Omer I started the day after Shavuot. I was disappointed that I had, again, missed the opportunity for reflection the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot provides. So being the Unbound Jew that I am, I used the tools available to me when I had time for them, not when the calendar dictated I do so. If I’m being honest, it was the only year I didn’t miss a day.
Since then, I’ve found joy counting with others. I like reading R’ Yael daily emails, knowing others are reading them too, and attending her weekly Omer gatherings online when I can. I like talking with KSS friends about their experiences with the practice. But I guess there was something about setting an intention for myself that motivated me.
That’s Tiferet.
Often translated as beauty, this year I’m learning that Tiferet means much more than the beauty we recognize on the surface of things. And how do we decide what’s physically beautiful anyway?
On the Kabbalists’ Tree of Life, Tiferet holds the heart center, tying the sefirot around it together. Tiferet is the balance between our desire to love expansively (Chesed) and to set boundaries (Gevurah); to push ourselves and those around us (Netzach) and to know when to rest and be satisfied with what is, at least for today (Hod).
It’s not a forced balance. It’s a natural balance, a state of being open and measured. It calls to mind the infamous words of the Jewish sage known as Ram Dass: “Be Here Now.” All my adult life I’ve longed to reach this state. At 50, I feel like I’m finally starting to grasp it.
Being here now requires us to give our attention over to what is in front of us. To listen for what the moment needs from us, what it is calling us to do. Tiferet helps us see the world more clearly as we attend to the details of our actions with intention. We do these things as particular individuals, with gifts to share.
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” – Coco Channel
Guided by Tiferet, I flowed into the work I’m doing now for Sukkat Shalom. I didn’t set out to be a Jewish community weaver. Curiosity and creativity led me here and guide my work. It’s a role that grew out of the accumulation of my life experiences, the needs of our community, and my commitment to my personal health, my family, and my farm.
Tuning into the opportunities around you, what are you being called to do in this moment? How can you make the world a bit more beautiful? How can you bring more intention to your daily actions and interactions? Now, during the Omer, or whenever you find more time and space for reflection.
– Jodi Kushins
KSS Project Manager for Organizational Transformation
[Image credit: Ram Dass “The Heart Cave” from Be Here Now]