Forty days of the Omer: Splendor of Bonding

Today Jack graduated from kindergarten!

Today is forty days, which is five weeks and five days of the Omer. הוד שביסוד, Hod ShebeYesod, Splendor of Bonding.

I've had a deeply emotional week. I said goodbye to colleagues who graduated and were ordained. Strong women who profoundly enriched my studies and soul journey. I've reflected on how much time procrastinating and electronic distraction distance me from the people who are right in front of me. I learned a bit about the history of Jewish women in Los Angeles, and witnessed a soul-affirming excerpt from the Jewish Women's Theatre production, "True Colors." And on this fortieth day of the Omer, I celebrated my eldest son completing his first year of elementary school.

The foundation of my life is my Chinese Jewish family. My husband, Chung-Mau, fearlessly pursues his passion for woodworking. He has been my role model since we began dating. He had a set weekend routine of going to Saturday morning classes, which gave me the push I needed to commit to attending Shabbat services consistently (and on time). Every step I've taken into the depths of Judaism have come from his support. I have been dreaming of our children attending Mandarin immersion public school since we were dating and the newspaper announced the opening of a new immersion school in West LA. My dream came true in the San Gabriel Valley.

This is the Splendor of Bonding. Allowing yourself to trust other people and sink into the future you can build together. It is easy to be cynical and sarcastic. It takes strength to be vulnerable and open.

Previously on this day in the Omer

Blissful, total presence with one another, 2018 / 5778

Loosening material bonds to allow Divine splendor in, 2017 / 5777