Day 5 of the Omer

By Rabbi Katy Z. Allen

Tonight we experience Hod – Humility – in Chesed – Lovingkindness – as we count the fifth day of the Omer.

The Moon is slowing “disappearing,” behind the clouds as well as in the cycle of the Moon’s monthly waning. Yet, it remains present, in the background – it is still there behind the clouds, and despite the lack of light reflecting off it, it is in its ordained location in the sky, at same average distance of 238,857 miles  from the center of the Earth that it always is at this particular Moon cycle. The Moon is present but is not (or almost not) visible.

What about us? Are we able to find the humility to allow ourselves to act from the sidelines or the background without being visible, without being out in front and all lit up? Are we able to acknowledge that we are not always right? When we find the strength to do either or both of these, our kindness becomes more pervasive – there is more room for it. Humility in Lovingkindness – letting our hearts take center stage and leaving our egos in the background, behind the clouds and away from the stage lights.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam, asher kid-shanu b’mitzvotav, vitzivanu, al sefirat ha’omer.

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