Counting the Omer-Week6/BONDING-Day 2/JUDGEMENT

Learning and listening to a friend in the meadow.

Week 6-/(Yesod) BONDING-Day 2/(Gevurah) JUDGEMENT

In Pirke Avot, the words of the sages, we are told to find ourselves a teacher and a friend. Both of these people are ones we make bonds with to learn from and to listen to. If we are to get the most from these relationships we have to judge wisely on who we choose to fill the job. Through our friend and through our teacher we can experience not just the world but also see ourselves with a different set of eyes. A good friend and a good teacher will point out to us when we are wrong as well as congratulate us when we are right. They will know the words to use that will get our attention and yet not hurt us too badly. If we choose wisely then we will learn to trust these people and even be vulnerable enough to let them see the softest place in our heart. The bonds of friend and teacher are filled with a different kind of love than that of husband, wife or partner and yet are no less deep or enduring. If we will only use good judgment.

After nightfall on Wednesday:

BA-RUCH A-TAH ADO-NAI E-LO-HE-NU ME-LECH HA-OLAM 

ASHER KID-E-SHA-NU BE-MITZ-VO-TAV VETZI-VA-NU AL SEFI-RAT HA-OMER.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the counting of the Omer.

Today is thirty-seven days which is five weeks and two days of the omer.