• In L'cha Dodi substitute Besimcha, and say Gam Besimcha Uuv'tzahala (p. 132).

• The following prayers are to be said in an undertone this Shabbat: Shalom aleichem, Eishet Chayil, Mizmor L'David, Da Hi S'udata (pages 144-146). Also V'yitein L'cha (p. 235).

Shabbat Nissan 19, 5703 4th day of the Omer **
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Acharei Mot, Shevi'i with Rashi. Tehillim: 90-96. Tanya: Ch. 42. In the light (p. 217)...(yada) knew Eve." (p. 219).

My father once expanded on Ma Nishtana (the "four questions" at the Seder):

How is this night, i.e. this present, final exile of Israel (exile being analogous to night) different from all other nights, i.e. all earlier exiles?

1. On all other nights we do not dip (the Hebrew word Matbilin is used for immersion in a Mikva for purification), expressing scouring, cleansing, purifying...

   ...even once; i.e. the cleansing was not completed in the earlier exiles, for they were followed by yet another exile;

   but tonight we dip twice, this final exile will bring about the scouring of the body and the revelation of the soul. [1]

2. On all other nights we eat chametz or matza. Following each of the earlier exiles our Avoda involved our G-dly soul (indicated by matza, a metaphor for nullification of self) and also our animal soul (indicated by Chametz, a metaphor for ego, self-awareness);

   But this night, following this final exile...

   ...we eat only matza, for the spirit of impurity will be abolished.[2]

3. On all other nights we eat various greens.

   The face of a jealous person turns green, that color symbolizing envy. During the earlier exiles there were various forms of envy; for example, the competitive envy among Torah-scholars;

   But on this night, after the final exile...

   ...only maror, bitter greens, the most intense sort of envy, similar to a statement in the Talmud that in the Hereafter "each tzadik will be scorched by the `canopy' of his fellow." [3]

4. On all other nights we eat either sitting or reclining...

   "Eating" indicates the spiritual delight Ta'anug, in the revelations that ensue from exile. [4]

   There is the extension or manifest Ta'anug, and there is (higher yet) the essence of Ta'anug.

   Some through their Avoda attain the extension of Ta'anug, while others attain the essence of Tta'anug.

   ...but tonight we all recline.

   After this final exile, all Israel will attain the quintessential Ta'anug.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) I.e. following this final exile we will be doubly purified ("...dip twice"), and in need of no further cleansing.

2. (Back to text) And our Avoda will therefore involve only the G-dly soul.

3. (Back to text) Bava Batra 75a. Viz. Aggadot Maharsha ibid. Each tzadik will have his "canopy", an indication of his achievements in this mortal life. Just as achievements vary, the canopies will vary. Seeing his fellow's unique canopy he is "scorched," unable to absorb the other's light.

4. (Back to text) For example, overcoming or enduring economic deprivation while staunchly observing Shabbat. Remaining devoted to our faith, to Torah and mitzvot, despite the spiritual darkness and physical hardships of exile, generates in the spiritual cosmos a "delight," Ta'anug, unique to exile.

---

Day four

Netzach of chesed

Is my love enduring? Does it withstand challenges and setbacks? Ups and downs of life. How much am I ready to fight for the love I have? Does my love have spirit and valor?

Exercise for the day: Do something that takes fight for a loved one.

From:

A Spiritual Guide to the counting of the Omer

Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement

The Forty-Nine Days of Sefirah

by Simon Jacobson

$7.95 Soft Cover

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