EMBODYING THE SEFIROT: SEFIRAT HA'OMER IN PRACTICE

Sefirat Ha’omer - or, the counting of the Omer - is the yearly practice of counting the 49 days and 7 weeks between Passover and Shavuot. As a seasonal spiritual practice, it builds a bridge between the expansive freedom of the Passover Seder, and the revelatory experience of receiving the Torah on Shavuot. Kabbalistic teachings regard “the Omer” as a potent season of self-cultivation and growth; a period focused on bringing attention to the Divine qualities within ourselves as a preparation for receiving the revelation of Torah. The seven weeks of the Sefirah are mirrored by the seven lower Sefirot - the fundamental Divine energies that are expressed throughout Creation. The sefirot provide a map for understanding the underlying forces of Creation. These sefirot are not just conceptual or metaphysical principles - they are embodied aspects of our own being as well, and the fundamental elements of our own personality. In this regard, the sefirot can provide a map of the Self, offering an understanding of our own inner workings, and a template through which we can cultivate and develop different aspects of ourselves. Drawing on Biblical, Rabbinic, Kabbalistic and Chassidic texts, this seven-week course guides participants through an exploration of the sefirot. The text study will anchor our understanding of each sefirah, including the archetypal, spiritual and personal qualities of each one. We will also engage in guided meditations and practices to offer an embodied point of contact with each sefirah, and provide a framework for cultivating these qualities within ourselves. The seven sessions will cover: 1. Chesed: Expansive Flow 2. Gevurah: The Boundaries of Self 3. Tiferet: Integrating Polarities 4. Netzach: Resilient Strength 5. Hod: Allowing Reality 6. Yesod: Connecting to the Inner Point 7. Malchut: Becoming a Vessel All texts are provided in Hebrew and English translation. This course is open to novices and advanced learners of all backgrounds and orientations. ​ How does it work? The course consists of seven recorded sessions, of approximately 1.25 hours each. Each session includes studying primary texts as well as a guided practice to ground the learning in embodied experience. Participants can watch or listen to the sessions at their own convenience. ​ Testimonials "I have been learning from Rabbi Ami Silver for the past five years. He has a unique gift in teaching his students, with a special kindness and down to earth method of explaining to everyone who learns Torah with him, a deeper sense of its relevance in our lives, and that it is deeply rooted inside of us." - Carter Wise "I have been privileged to be a student of R. Ami... R. Ami’s insights into Tshuva resonated deeply with me and allowed me to come into this period of time in a new way. I was able to explore deeply who I was in the context of a loving God who wants me to live as fully as possible in this life. Being a part of R. Ami’s learning community during this time allowed me to come into one of the most profound relationships with myself, my community and Hashem during the High Holidays. I felt truly that I had come into a new beginning. I highly recommend learning with R. Ami." - Anne Seham "Rabbi Ami is the kind of teacher who can make you forget you're in a "class." Nothing feels formal or formulaic; rather Ami shares his incredible depth of knowledge with a care and gentleness that feels like you're engaged in an in-depth conversation, soul to soul. He creates a space that is built of acceptance, curiosity, and devotion to the Jewish spiritual path. After learning with him for over a year in various contexts, I can honestly say that if he's teaching it, no matter what it is, it's worthwhile to sign up because it is sure to fill you with inspiration and meaning." - Ariel Hendelman