Today is 40th day of the Omer.

May 24, 2022 in Uvalde, Texas at Robb Elementary School:

The gunman was 18-year-old, Salvador Ramos, shot and killed 19 students and two teachers at a Texas elementary school Tuesday was on the premises for up to an hour (at approximately 11:32 a.m. local time), after shooting his grandmother and crashing his vehicle near the school, before law enforcement forcibly entered a classroom and killed him.

Tonight, we all read Psalm 103:13-22 Tree of Life Version

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
so Adonai has compassion on those who fear Him.
¹⁴ For He knows our frame.
He remembers that we are but dust.
¹⁵ As for man, his days are like grass—
he flourishes like a flower of the field,
¹⁶ but when the wind blows over it, it is gone,
    and its place is no longer known.
¹⁷ But the mercy of Adonai is from everlasting to everlasting
    on those who revere Him,
His righteousness to children’s children,
¹⁸ to those who keep His covenant,
who remember to observe His instructions.

¹⁹ Adonai has set up His throne in the heavens,
and His kingdom rules over all.
²⁰ Bless Adonai, you angels of His:
mighty in strength, performing His word,
upon hearing the utterance of His word.
²¹ Bless Adonai, all you His armies,
His servants who do His will.
²² Bless Adonai, all His works everywhere in His dominion.
Bless Adonai, O my soul!

By Rabbi Simon Jacobson DAY 40    HOD OF YESOD: Humility in Bonding

Wednesday evening, May 25  we count forty days of the Omer. Humility is crucial in healthy bonding. Arrogance divides people. Preoccupation with your own desires and needs separates you from others. Humility allows you to appreciate another person and bond with him. Healthy bonding is the union of two distinct people, with independent personalities, who join for a higher purpose than satisfying their own needs. True humility comes from recognizing and acknowledging G-d in your life. Am I aware of the third partner – G-d – in bonding? And that this partner gives me the capacity to unite with another, despite our distinctions. Exercise for the day:  When praying acknowledge G-d specifically for helping you bond with others.