Thursday Nissan 17, 5703 2nd day of the Omer **
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Acharei Mot, Chamishi with Rashi. Tehillim: 83-87 Tanya: With this preparedness (p. 215)...as is known. (p. 215)

"Whoever expands on the narrative of the exodus from Egypt, this person (Harei Zeh) is to be praised" (Haggada).

The Hebrew word Zeh ("this") indicates a state of holiness, as in the phrase, "Here, this (zeh) is our G-d" (p. 336). Whoever expands on the narrative of the exodus, "his Zeh", his element of holiness, is enriched.

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Day two

Gevurah of chesed

Healthy love must always include an element of discipline. A degree of distance and respect for the other. An assessment of the persons capacity to contain your love. Love must be tempered and directed properly. Ask a parent who in the name of love has spoiled his child; or someone who suffocates their spouse with love and doesn't allow her any space of her own. Love with discretion is necessary to avoid giving to those that don't deserve it.

Is my love disciplined enough? Do others take advantage of my giving nature? Am I hurting anyone by becoming their crutch in the name of love? Am I hurting my children by forcing upon them my value system because I love them so? Do I respect the one I love or is it a selfish love? Am I sensitive to his feelings and attitudes? Do I see my beloved as an extension of myself and my needs? In my love is there as much emphasis on the one I love and his ability to contain my love as there is on me and my giving? Rain is a blessing only because it falls in drops that don't flood the fields.

Exercise for the day: Help someone on their terms not on yours. Apply yourself to their specific needs even if it takes effort.

From:

A Spiritual Guide to the counting of the Omer

Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement

The Forty-Nine Days of Sefirah

by Simon Jacobson

$7.95 Soft Cover

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