23 Nisan | April 15

8th Day of the Omer

Forgiveness is the great yes. Acting in accordance with the highest ideals of our tradition, I do not have a choice of whether I should forgive you, but whether or not I will. And I must if I want to be alive.

Martin Buber

Baruch Ata Adonai Elo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam a-sher ke-d-sha-nu b- mitz-vo-tav, v-tzi-va-nu al s-fi-rat ha-omer.

22 Nisan | April 14

7th Day of the Omer

Stand in the company of elders,

and apprentice yourself to the wise.

Listen closely to every discussion,

and let not the parables of understanding escape you.

Visit the sages often;

let your feet wear grooves in their walkway.

Wisdom of Ben Sirach 6:34-36

from The Divine Feminine in Biblical Wisdom Literature, Rabbi Rami Shapiro

21 Nisan | April 13

6th Day of the Omer

I need strength, humility, courage, patience.

Strength to control my passions,

humility to assess my own worth,

courage to rise above defeats,

patience to cleanse myself of imperfections.

And wisdom: to learn and live by our sacred teachings.

Let me not be discouraged by my failings.

Let me take heart

from all that is good and noble in my character.

Keep me from falling victim to cynicism.

20 Nisan | April 12

5th Day of the Omer

Acceptance allows you to come to terms with the story of your life. You are what you are. You are not what you are not. And your life is what it is. On some level, those three statements can bring great peace and comfort. But only when you have mourned for what you have lost and felt your genuine anger at the injustice of losing it.

            After that comes a pragmatic spiritual peace that fills your soul:

            You are what you are.

19 Nisan | April 11

4th Day of the Omer

AMEN: SAYING “YES”