Day 33: Proclaim His Majesty

BLESSING FOR COUNTING THE OMER:

Baruch ata Adonai, ELOHEYNU melech ha-olam, asher kiddeshanu bidvarecha

v’tzi-va-noo al sifeerat ha-omer.

Blessed are you, O Adonai our GOD, King of the universe Who has sanctified us by your Word and commanded us concerning the Counting of the Omer.

Today is thirty-three days, which is four weeks and five days of the Omer.

‘Blessed is the one who trusts in Adonai, whose confidence is in Adonai.  For he will be like a tree planted by the waters, spreading out its roots by a stream.  It has no fear when heat comes, but its leaves will be green.  It does not worry in a year of drought, nor depart from yielding fruit.’  Jeremiah 17:7-8

Jeremiah prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah, addressing G-d’s upcoming judgment, invasion, and exile for their deceitful, idolatrous, hardened hearts and wicked ways. In the previous two verses, Jeremiah 17:5-6, warns of curses for trusting in man and turning their hearts from Adonai. The beautiful verses above speak of blessings and life to those who put their confidence and trust in Adonai.

This 33^rd day of the Omer Count is associated with the attribute combination Hod she-be-Hod/Splendor within Splendor (Humility within Humility).  This day represents a high level of spiritual light as we continue to its full radiance on day 49…

This is also a historically significant day, known as ‘Lag BaOmer’ (or ‘Lag LaOmer’) -- Lag comes from the two Hebrew letters lamed = 30; gimmel = 3; together equals 33.  The time between Passover and Shavuot, when the Omer is counted, is a period of mourning where certain activities are refrained, but today there is a reprieve and considered a ‘festive day of joy’! It is a remembrance of a sad time in history where an intense plague affected 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva.  The dying from this scourge ceased on this day.  Also, today commemorates the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a great sage and mystic who brought deep spiritual insights, radiant light, and great Jewish wisdom into the world -- author of the Zohar.  Thousands travel to his burial site in Meron, Israel, on this jovial day.  Lag BaOmer is intended to be a day of happiness, healing and respect of others and a time to enjoy abundant splendors in the world around us with great appreciation of nature and gratitude for creation. It is celebrated around the world in many ways, including joyous outings, parades, picnics in the woods, singing, dancing, feasting, and lighting of huge bonfires…! 

Considering a few lessons for today in humility, splendor, and majesty…I think of ‘the tree planted by the waters, spreading out its roots’, where it thrives with nourishment and sustenance.  What is humility?  This attribute helps us genuinely see and welcome others into our lives.  Without humility, we cannot truly Love G-d or others, because we are too full of ourselves.  Humility is no longer relying on ourselves or trusting in the flesh, but acknowledging our Creator, The One ETERNAL G-d, for our sustenance, trusting in His perfect plan for our lives with gratitude and surrender.   Genuine humility recognizes we are but branches, grafted into ‘The Tree of Life’, completely dependent on The Source.  ‘The tree’ needs ‘living water’ from The Source of all Life, and cannot survive on its own without it.  

‘Then Adonai will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in drought and strengthen your bones.  You will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail.’  Isaiah 58:11 

Splendor looks upon the majesty of creation as it is with childlike wonderment and delight! It takes the time to live ‘in the moment’, noting incredibly diverse and magnificent aspects of G-d’s handiwork and beauty, unfolding infinite mysteries to search out and enjoy. We must have humility in order to truly see and appreciate the magnificence and splendor in every situation and in every person we meet.  There is no attempt to change a situation to be in control or build ourselves up, but to see things as they are.

‘Do nothing out of selfishness or conceit, but with humility consider others as more important than yourselves,’ (Phil 2:3) 

Hod as majesty directly points to G-d’s Glory (Kavod).  Proclaiming G-d’s Holiness radiates brilliance and spiritually elevates His Glory into this world.  As in Isaiah’s vision of the angels…‘One called out to another, and said:  “Holy, holy, holy, is ADONAI-Tzva’ot!  The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

May this day be full of wonder and delight as we take time to meditate on G-d’s beauty and creation all around, being present in the moment.  Treasure delightful memories of the sights, sounds, tastes, smells we may encounter.  Look into the eyes of those around us, radiating love, gratitude, joy, and enthusiasm for life!  Discover splendor and its connection with Our Creator, seeking His wisdom and understanding as we search out His mysteries, trusting in His perfect plan for our lives, proclaiming His majesty to all!