hazzan Diana Brewer was ordained through the aleph ordination program. she leads prayer services regularly at the jewish community of amherst, and is on the staff of the davvenen leadership training institute.

Day 14 מלכות שבגבורה

Malchut SheBeGevurah. Majesty, dignity, Immanent Divine Presence, Influence, Expression within Discipline, Strength, Judgement, Restraint.

The Malchut of Gevurah reflects the Divine Strength that is within all of us. My friend, David Aladjem, a rabbinic student in my program, put it this way: What makes a steel bar strong? It is perfectly aligned.

My thoughts can best be summed up in the description of a vision I can see of myself in the trappings of Malchut SheBeGevurah. I am erect, and substantially taller than my usual diminutive stature. I am totally aligned through the strength of the Immanent Divine Presence. I am dignified, and know perfectly how to respond to any situation. I know what to say. And what not to say. I am serene, smiling gently. Totally unflappable in my confidence that I will receive perfect direction from the Source of all Strength.

I know I've written on several occasions of the seeming unattainable-ness of some of the Sefirotic attributes we have the chance to explore deeply at this time. My vision above seems, oddly enough, and quite to the contrary, eminently attainable. Immanently Present. Today it is enough to have such a clear inner sense of my potential for Majestic Strength. 

For the abbreviated version, visit me on Twitter.

For a couple of different Omer counting guides try mishkan.org or chabad.org.

Day 15 חסד שבתפרת

Day 13 יסד שבגבורה