The mystics of our tradition saw great meaning in the counting of the Omer. In its cycle of 7 days, counted 7 times, they saw a parallel to the sefirot, Divine attributes of Jewish mystical understanding. Each week, then, was dedicated to a particular attribute—this week’s attribute is Netzach—tenacity.
Today is the 26th day of the Omer.
My grandmother, Julia L. Davis, of blessed memory, once taught me a powerful lesson about tenacity. A lifelong member of Hadassah and devotee of its founder Henrieta Szold, she called me once with great excitement in her voice: “Hadassah is celebrating its 90th birthday this year!” she explained. “In recognition of this milestone, Hadassah has reduced the lifetime membership fee for all who qualify for this year only to a mere $90.” She asked me if I would help her to identify people who might be interested in this special offer.
A few days later she called to share some great news: she had just closed another deal for Hadassah, signing a neighbor of hers at the assisted living facility in which she lived for a lifetime membership. “Nanny, that’s great!” was my reply. “By the way, how old is she?” I asked. “Didn’t I tell you,” she explained, “to qualify for the discount you have to be at least 90! She’s 91!”
My 89 year-old grandmother recruiting a 91-year-old woman for a lifetime membership—that’s tenacity, never giving up, never giving in. We just keep serving others, doing our part to make the world a little bit better.
— Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
