Day 14 of the Omer

Malchut, Kingship, or more generically, Leadership, in Restraint, are the Divine Attributes for the last day of the second week of counting the Omer.


In my mind, of the birds I see in my yard, the male cardinal is king. Not because he is the bossiest, or the loudest, or the smartest, or the sneakiest, of the birds, but because he is bright red. He is easily seen at all times of the year, in summer he stands out through the green leaves of the trees, and in winter his stark contrast to the white of snow is breathtaking. 


How other birds consider the cardinal, I do not know.


Standing out is sometimes what it takes to be a leader, but other times, not standing out is what it takes, exhibiting restraint. Through our restraint, we can become leaders, because sometimes we need to think not of the short-term issue, but of the long-term goal. Where are we heading? What are we trying to achieve? Sometimes we have to let go of the immediate concern and look to the future. And we when do, we become leaders - leaders of our own hearts and ultimately, leaders of others.



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


Blessed are you Adonai our G!d, ruler of the universe, who sanctifies us with mitzvot and commands us regarding the counting of the Omer.


Today is fourteen days which is two weeks of the Omer.