< link rel="DCTERMS.isreplacedby" href="http://www.keshertalk.com/" >

Saturday, April 19, 2003

Shavuot count-down: Day 3 of counting the Omer. Using the Kabbalistic symbology for counting the Omer - the days between the 2nd night of Pesach and the start of Shavuot - tonight begins the Tiferet of Chesed: Compassion, Harmony in Lovingkindness. Rabbi Simon Jacobson's meditation for this day of the Omer:
Harmony in love is one that blends both the chesed and gevurah aspects of love. Harmonized love includes empathy and compassion. Love is often given with the expectation of receiving love in return. Compassionate love is given freely; expects nothing in return – even when the other doesn’t deserve love. Tiferet is giving also to those who have hurt you.
(More on counting the Omer here)

And it's still Pesach, which means a chance to sing Hallel and eat matzah for another few days. Hallel is one of my favorite parts of the liturgy, especially with a congregation that likes to sing.