Note: Each week of the OmerFrom the second day of Passover until Shavuot, Jews count seven weeks – seven times seven days – to commemorate the period between the Exodus from Egypt and the Revelation at Sinai. When the Temple stood, a certain measure (omer) of barley was offered on the altar each day; today, we merely count out the days. 5784 we’ll include LilyFish Gomberg’s weekly guide to Counting the Omer (Taylor’s version). Find the introduction and guide here.
Find LilyFish’s playlist here.
Week Three: Tiferet – Truth, Balance, and Compassion
Day fifteen, the first day of week three, Chesed within Tiferet, is “The Best Day.” Chesed, loving-kindness, within the realm of truth, compassion, and balance, symbolizes that love of others and yourself must be rested in true understanding and acceptance. In “The Best Day,” Taylor thanks her family and especially her mother for helping her find balance and even footing through unwavering love. She sings, “I know you were on my side even when I was wrong! And I love you for giving me your eyes, for staying back and watching me shine.”
Day sixteen, the second day of week three, Gevurah within Tiferet, is “this is me trying.” Gevurah, strength and discipline, within the context of truth and compassion, is about the difficult work that it takes to be compassionate with yourself. This day is also the first of Iyyar, which is a month of healing. “this is me trying” reflects on the journey of personal growth and the courage it takes to confront challenges. She sings, “I just wanted you to know that this is me trying. At least I’m trying.”
Day seventeen, the third day of week three, Tiferet within Tiferet, is “Innocent.” Tiferet, representing truth, balance, and compassion, within itself, speaks to finding innocence and compassion in moments of conflict. “Innocent” is a song of understanding and forgiveness, acknowledging the humanity in others and oneself. She sings, “who you are is not where you’ve been.”
Day eighteen, the fourth day of week three, Netzach within Tiferet, is “A Place in this World.” Netzach, perseverance, within the balance of truth and compassion, signifies the enduring quest for one’s place and purpose. “A Place in this World” explores the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of authenticity. She sings, “I’m alone, on my own, and that’s all I know, I’ll be strong, I’ll be wrong, oh, but life goes on.”
Day nineteen, the fifth day of week three, Hod within Tiferet, is “happiness.” Hod, humility and gratitude, within the realm of truth and compassion, speaks to humility in the search for balance. In “happiness,” Taylor shows personal growth and emotional resilience in navigating a relationship’s complexities with authenticity and balance, emphasizing humility and gratitude. She sings, “no one teaches you what to do when a good man hurts you. And you know you hurt him, too.”
Day twenty, the sixth day of week three, Yesod within Tiferet, is “It’s Nice To Have A Friend.” Yesod, truth and foundation, within the context of compassion, symbolizes the joy of building genuine, balanced connections. “It’s Nice To Have A Friend” celebrates the simplicity and beauty of true companionship. She sings, “lost my gloves, you give me one.”
Day twenty-one, the seventh day of week three, Malkhut within Tiferet, is “The Archer.” Malkhut, majesty and authority, within the realm of balance and compassion, signifies the strength of self-awareness. “The Archer” explores the vulnerability and strength in acknowledging one’s flaws and striving for personal growth. She sings, “I’ve been the archer, I’ve been the prey, who could ever leave me, darling? But who could stay?”
