It is the custom during the Omer to look at the seven lower Sefirot (‘middot’) and seek to understand each on more in-depth and connect it to our lives and the world. As each Sefirah has aspects of the others within it, we look at aspects of all seven within each one. This process of rectifying our inner attributes (‘tikkun middot’) takes us through the 49 days of the Omer leading to Shavuot, the fiftieth day.
This project introduces a unique approach that will complement the standard practice. We’re taking a specific look at the seven middot of each week through a particular lens – each offering a different perspective than the others. Each ‘filter’ has a relationship to the particular week based on the standard order the Sefirot are presented in. (Aspects of Chesed for week 1, of Gevurah for week 2, etc.)
It should be noted that while we are dealing with the lower seven Sefirot, these are rooted in the Mochin, the three upper Sefirot of Binah, Chokmah and Keter (or Da’at). We will at times refer back to some of the foundational principles of the ‘left, right and center.’
Week 1 – CHESED
The Ushpizin of Sukkot
As Chesed is in the expansive (right) side of the Tree of Life, we begin by looking at the Middot through the tradition of pro-active investigation of the Ushpizin (‘guests’) who we ‘invite’ into our sukkah on Sukkot; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David.
Week 1 Intro | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7
Week 2 – GEVURAH
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Stephen Covey
Gevurah is on the left side of restriction, so here we will focus on seven powerful forces behind our behaviors. We will compare how the middot directly relate to the ‘eternal concepts’ discussed in this best-selling text.
Week 2 Intro | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14
Week 3 – TIFERET
The Ana Bekoach Prayer
The central Sefirah of Tiferet and the concept of prayer are closely associated with the subject of mashiach. We will explore ideas in this ancient mystical seven line prayer.
Week 3 Intro | Day 15 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19 | Day 20 | Day 21
Week 4 – NETZACH
Characters from Winnie the Pooh
Returning to the right side of expansion and creativity, we look at the characteristics of characters of these popular books and films. As Netzach is a pro-active spark, this might even be something to share with the young ones!
Week 4 Intro | Day 22 | Day 23 | Day 24 | Day 25 | Day 26 | Day 27 | Day 28
Week 5 – HOD
The Psychology of Building Resilience
Back to the left side of the tree, Hod is the reflective/reverberative Sefirah. This section will take a look at the relationship of the middot to concept of “building resilience” – dealing with life’s challenges.
Week 5 Intro | Day 29 | Day 30 | Day 31 | Day 32 | Day 33 | Day 34 | Day 35
Week 6 – YESOD
The Tzaddik
How the middot relate to the concept of ‘connectedness’ within and through righteous individuals.
Week 6 Intro | Day 36 | Day 37 | Day 38 | Day 39 | Day 40 | Day 41 | Day 42
Week 7 – MALCHUT
Tikkun Middot as found in the USHPIZIN movie.
We will look at hidden concepts within the movie “Ushpizin.”
Week 7 – TBD