Each week of the Counting of the Omer is associated with one of the seven lower sefirot—divine emanations in which we recognize our own qualities and find the divine within ourselves. In this, the sixth week of the Omer, we enter into the contemplation of the sefirah of yesod—the divine emanation of connecting and bonding with others. (For a chart of the sefirot, see the Resources page.)
Yesod literally means "foundation." In the tree of the sefirot, yesod is the funnel which pours the other divine qualities down into the realm of human existence. Through yesod, we are able to connect with all the divine qualities and with other people.
Wednesday is the 36th day of the Counting of the Omer, and it is the day of chesed within yesod—love within connection. The connection between these two qualities is clear. I need to have compassion and caring in order to connect with others. I ask, "Do I allow compassion into all my relationships? Do I sometimes treat people as a means to an end, or do I appreciate their humanity?"
Thursday is the 37th day, the day of g'vurah within yesod, discipline within connection. Perhaps less obviously, connecting with others also requires the discipline of creating health boundaries. No relationship can endure without the discipline of honesty and integrity to balance the desire to connect.
Friday, the 38th day of the Omer, is the day of tiferet within yesod, balance within connection. A relationship between two people needs balance. Do I make room in a relationship to allow the other person to shine his or her brightest? Or, do I steal the limelight all for myself? Are my relationships balanced?
Shabbat is the 39th day of the Omer and it brings the crucial question of the endurance of my relationships--netzach within yesod. Relationships are hard work. Because I am always changing, and so are the people with whom I am connected, I must always be rediscovering my relationships in order for them to endure. I ask, "Am I willing to do the hard work of maintaining my relationships? Do my connections to others endure?"
Sunday will be day 40, the day of hod within yesod, humility within connection. It is a day to ask if my ego gets in the way of forming relationships with others. Do I allow myself to appreciate the needs and desires of others?
Next Monday will be the 41st day of the Omer and the day of yesod within yesod, connection within connection. This is a hard day for me because it forces me to look deeply into the very essence of the way I relate to other people. Are the relationships I form with others real? Am I superficial or distant in places where I should be genuine and committed to others?
The week of yesod ends with the day of malchut within yesod, nobility within connection. On day 42 of the Omer, I contemplate what I do to bring dignity to my relationships with others. Do those relationships enhance my ability to take ownership of my life? Do I draw the highest qualities out of others?