Day 9 of the Omer - Restrained Restraint

Hi,

The Sephirah of the Omer's second week is Gevurah. Gevurah is power, expressed in restraint and boundaries and withdrawal.

In addition, the Sephirah of the second day of each Omer week is Gevurah. Thus the combined Sephirah for Day 9 of the Omer is Gevurah sheb'Gevurah, "restraint in restraint".

Withdrawal is an important tool for healthy personal and communal growth, but like any tool, it is open to abuse. A person who wants to work on his own growth might step away from the community, but pursuing this approach too much will weaken the community at large and make someone a פורש מן הציבור (one who separates from the community, whose conduct is condemned by the Sages). A parent might wish to allow his child to learn independence, but being too remote constitutes neglect. Even our restraint must be exercised with restraint.

Sunday night's Sephirah instructs us to keep a guard upon our restraint, evaluating and applying it carefully.

Have a great day,
Mordechai