Counting the Omer Day 36: Chesed of Yesod

Chesed of Yesod. Love in Bonding / Foundation. Yesod is the sefirah that collects everything from above – it joins them together, “bonds” them – and it is also the foundation.

Connection and foundation are related. The foundation of a building ties all the pieces together. A building can’t stand with a weak foundation.

“Bonding” is also foundational for our lives. There is a saying, “no man is an island.” We are all depending on others. The bonds that connect us to others are fundamental to our humanity. Our connections go out in all directions – connecting to God, connecting to our fellow Jews, connecting to all mankind. Connecting to family and loved ones.

Chesed, lovingkindness, is the root for all bonding and connecting with others. In other contexts our personality traits can be a one way street – something we express toward others. In bonding, however, there is an implied mutuality – the energy flowing both ways.

Are your foundations built on love?