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 16 גבורה שבתפרת

Gevurah SheBeTiferet. Strength within Beauty. Discernment within Compassion. Restraint within Beauty. Discernment within Truth. Restraint within Compassion. Restraint within Beauty.

In our creative work, whatever form that may take on, we must learn to recognize when it is time to stop, time to call it "done". We feel our strength in the creative force working through us. It is powerful and delightful! But we must stay open to noticing the moment that the force starts to ebb, and to give us the message to leave well enough alone. 

This can also be said about the way we express compassion and truth. What could possibly need to be restrained about compassion? It is not so much our tendency towards compassion that needs restraint, but the way we express it towards the one for whom we feel it. It is possible to overwhelm with an overflow of compassionate expression. It is certainly possible to go awry with an overflow of truth. I believe this is known as brutal honesty. 

Today, can I feel the strength in my impulse to bring truth, beauty, and compassion? Can I be attuned to when enough is enough?

For the abbreviated version, visit me on Twitter.

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

Day 17 תפרת שבתפרת

Day 15 חסד שבתפרת