Our days of counting the Omer are nearing the end. We are deep into the count and, if you’ve been following my suggestions, you are well into your own personal growth as well.

In Week 6, we enter a week of Yesod. Yesod can be attached to bonding, foundation or balance. I like the definition “bonding” because it refers to connection, and it is our deep connections that allow us to create a strong foundation from which our lives can flourish.

During the week of Yesod, we are asked to focus on our relationships – the things that really matter in life.

Day 1
Chesed in Yesod (loving-kindness in bonding): Do something special for someone. When we have the opportunity to do an act of kindness for someone else, it strengthens the bond between us.

Day 2
Gevurah in Yesod (discipline in bonding): Examine the traditions you have set up in your family. Family rituals are essential to uniting a family unit and creating a strong foundation.

Day 3
Tiferet in Yesod (compassion in bonding): Participate in a mitzvah as a family or with a group of friends. Help another family build their foundation by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Pay a visit to an animal shelter and help take care of the animals.

Day 4
Netzach in Yesod (endurance in bonding): Creating a solid base requires a lot of hard work and consistency. Identify areas of change that would benefit your family relationships. Do you need to create a date night with your partner? How about a family game night to ensure you spend more time together?

Day 5
Hod in Yesod (splendor in bonding): There is no better way to experience splendor than to make time for religious expression. Go to synagogue, take a walk in nature – whatever brings you closer to G-d.

Day 6
Yesod in Yesod (bonding in bonding): Set aside time that you wouldn’t normally have to do something that you don’t normally do. Make a date with friends to go to lunch. Stop to visit your grandmother on the way home from work. Take time for your SELF to do something you love doing.

Day 7
Malchut in Yesod (dignity in bonding): What are the strengths and the challenges that exist in the relationship you have with your spouse? Your child? Your boss? Identify them and develop creative solutions for change. Is your boss always handing you projects at the last minute? Do you find yourself losing patience with your children at the little things? Spend some time in contemplation and think about how you can take the higher road.

The week of Yesod can provide intense opportunities for building deep roots. With just two more weeks until Shavuot, make the most of this time. Continue to prepare for the spiritual liberation that occurs when we receive the Torah from G-d.