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 23rd day of the Omer.
Perhaps the greatest exemplar of tenacity in our tradition is Moses. Once he accepts the call to lead the Jewish People from bondage to deliverance in the Promised Land, he demonstrates a determination that ends only with his death. He never quits. He never abandons his post, despite the many aggravations and annoyances along the way.
What makes this all the more extraordinary is that years before that final moment, he is told explicitly by God that he will not realize the ultimate goal himself. He will bring his People to the very border of their dream, but he will not be permitted to enter.
That is tenacity born by an understanding that he was part of something much greater than himself. The journey wasn’t ultimately about his deliverance. The journey—for him—was about delivering his People.
When we find ourselves struggling to carry on, we find strength in remembering all of those others for whom we ultimately toil.
— Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
