Day Four of Week 3: Netzach of Tiferet

Is my compassion enduring and consistent? Is it reliable or whimsical? Does it prevail among other forces in my life? Do I have the capacity to be compassionate even when I’m busy with other activities or only when it's comfortable for me? Am I ready to stand up and fight for another?

Exercise for the day: In middle of the busy day take a moment and call someone that needs a compassionate word. Defend someone who is in need of sympathy even if it's not a popular position.

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By Simon Jacobson

From A Spiritual Guide to the Omer by Simon Jacobson
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April 12, 2013

Compromise

Compromising with compassion.

Thank you for sharing that.

Eugina Giovanna Herrera
New York City, New York

April 12, 2013

Shabbos Note

Just a note: this year, netzach of tiferet falls on Shabbos, so the exercise doesn't seem to apply.

Anonymous
Waterloo, ON

April 4, 2013

Endurance

I particularly like Rabbi Jacobson's suggestions for how to manifest netzach of tiferet.

It's a lot easier to feel compassion in "our free time," when we can "afford" to be compassionate. The real victory comes when compassion is our constant companion and shows itself, not when it's convenient for us, but rather when the others on our path need it.

BA Kress
Austin, Texas

April 24, 2012

compassion

Thank you, I needed that. More food already, this so wonderful, I'm grateful.

Anonymous

April 24, 2012

Showing sympathy

I did a Google search for the definitions of, both, sympathy and compassion. They are synonymous with each other and with pity. Isn't it a sin to show pity or to pity someone? I understand there is a higher meaning for the word compassion than pity, and that the above spiritual guide is making a different point, but I just wanted to address the technicalities of using the words themselves.

Anonymous
Brooklyn

May 6, 2011

Calling during the day

I doubt you absolutely have to call on company time. Everyone gets a lunch break, so call on that time which is your own and on your own cell phone.

Hinda
New Port Richey, FL

April 27, 2009

Making a call during a busy day

Of course most of us do it, but according to a strict approach based on Mesilat Yasharim (and maybe other Jewish ethical teachings), making a personal (albeit compasssionate) call during a business day would be considered stealing from the employer. Please comment.

S. Rodnyansky

Day Four of Week 3: Netzach of Tiferet

18th Day of the Omer