Week 6
15 May | 21 Iyar
“Who is wealthy? The one who is happy with their lot.” – Ben Zoma, Pirkei Avot, Ch. 4
During the sixth week of the Counting of the Omer (Days 36-42 corresponding to May 15-21, 2020) we will be focusing on the middah of simplicity.
Understanding Simplicity

To be human means that we have desires. Our desires want us to fixate on all that we do not have. Practicing histapkut , simplicity, does not mean that we pretend that we do not have these desires. Nor does it mean that we must become an ascetic. Rather, the practice of simplicity asks us to cultivate an inner attitude of simcha b’chelko – happiness with one’s lot. Alan Morinis teaches, “Happiness lies not in consumption but in recognizing that it is good not to be enslaved to what you crave, to see the virtue that lies in freeing yourself from unnecessary consumption and mistaken priorities.” One way to bring simplicity to our lives is to follow the advice of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch. He explains that when the Talmud tells us to be happy with our lot it means that we should think of our deeds rather than our possessions. We should focus on how we affect the lives of others and what more we can do to be of service in this world. This will bring us more joy than any possession we own or any status we hope to acquire.
Cultivating Simplicity – An Invitation to Practice
Choose one or both practices for this week of the Omer.

  • This week, whenever you feel desire arising (for a second piece of cake, another drink, an item you don’t really need when you feel you want to purchase it at the store), remind yourself of your ability to be happy, truly happy, with what you already have.


  •     Count each day of the Omer this week (Days 36-42) by reciting the following blessing: 
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al s’firat ha-omer.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, who orders the universe, allowing us the opportunity to experience holiness through the commandments and commanding us to count the Omer.

Today is the _____ day of the Omer. May I experience the blessing of simplicity this day.
Cultivating Awe – An Invitation to Meditate
Sit for at least 10 minutes of meditation each day this week. You may listen to the audio or simply set your own intentions during your practice.
Please note: It has come to our attention that our meditation audio files are not currently compatible with some devices, such as iPhones, and iPads. We have reached out to our technology teams to see if we can modify this and make it so that the audio works from any device. In the meantime, to ensure the most high quality meditation experience, we ask that you please access and play the recordings from a computer desktop or laptop. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We will keep you posted on this situation.
Audio Transcript:

In this meditation we will focus on simplifying our thoughts. Often when we sit down in meditation, when we find a bit of quiet, our thoughts grow quite loud in our heads. In order to calm the many and swirling voices, we take a few deep breaths and bring our awareness to the physical sensations of breath in our bodies. 

With the next inhalation, ask yourself, what do you know in your heart to be true about what you need in life to be happy? Notice what arises.

Ask yourself, “How you wish to live in the world? What are your true priorities?” Notice what arises.

“Do you actually need more knowledge than this, or is this simple fundamental wisdom of how you wish to live enough?

What keeps you from living the simple truths you know?

What would you need to let go of in order to live these simple truths?

What fears interfere with your living out these simple truths?

What strength and trust would be needed to live wisely and well?

How would you change your life so that your body, heart, and mind might become more transparent to this light within? Can you imagine knowing less and becoming wiser?”

Let yourself sense a simple loving presence you can bring into each moment. Be aware of how living with simplicity can guide you toward this.

Allow the simple wisdom of how you wish to live a life of intention and ease continue to fill you until the bell rings.
Added Inspiration
If the Shoe Fits by Thomas Merton


Ch’ui the draftsman
Could draw more perfect circles freehand
Than with a compass.

His fingers brought forth
Spontaneous forms from nowhere. His mind
Was meanwhile free and without concern
With what he was doing.

No application was needed
His mind was perfectly simple
And knew no obstacle.

So, when the shoe fits
The foot is forgotten,
When the belt fits
The belly is forgotten,
When the heart is right
“For” and “against” are forgotten.

No drives, no compulsions,
No needs, no attractions:
Then your affairs
Are under control.
You are a free man.

Easy is right. Begin right
And you are easy.
Continue easy and you are right.
The right way to go easy
Is to forget the right way
And forget that the going is easy.
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