Today is seven days, which is one week of the omer: malchut she’b’hesed. Not Mantle (no more Yankees for a while), and not Biggio (I have to point out when I take a pass on an Astro). Today’s pick is catcher Iván Rodríguez — and not just because I had a friend in high school, of whom I have fond memories, with his same nickname. (Also, I … Continue reading day 7: pudge
Today is Day 6 of the Omer. Yesod sheb’hesed. Within love, there is righteousness. There could be no other choice for day 6 of the Omer than the great Bill Russell. Russell is the greatest winner in the history of the NBA and arguably the greatest player in NBA history. In 13 seasons, he won 11 NBA Championships. All Russell cared about was winning and … Continue reading Day 6: The Tzadik
Each year, the National Hockey League awards one player with the “Lady Byng Memorial Trophy”. It is given to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. To win the award, you have to be a top point producer in the league, while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. Typically, the best … Continue reading The 5 Most Sportsmanlike Hockey Players
Today is six days of the omer: yesod she’b’hesed. (Because of chag, I am posting this before the sixth day actually begins.) I’m biased towards players who have spent their whole careers on one team. I like loyalty, by team and by player. I like the relationship between players and fans that can develop over that kind of time. I like watching a player improve and … Continue reading day 6: the overlooked
Today is Day 5 of the Omer. Hod sheb’hesed, the gratitude and humility that comes from a deep place of love For Day 5, hod sheb’hesed, I’m going with a member of the Fab Five, Juwan Howard. Howard was the first member of that famed class to commit to Michigan and was responsible for helping recruit the other four members: Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jimmy … Continue reading Day 5: Fab Five Alert
Today is five days of the omer: hod she’b’hesed. I almost did Albert Pujols today, despite the fact that he tortured the Astros for years as a Cardinal — and is apparently still able to at almost 40, as recently as last year as an Angel. I do have one fond association with him, however: My grandmother, notorious for mispronouncing words, always said his name … Continue reading day 5: the hebrew hammer
4/12 – Netzach sheb’hesed Today is Day 4 of the omer. Netzach sheb’hesed. From love, there emerges eternity. One of the things that’s becoming clearer to me is that while the sefirah of the week is primary, the way that it manifests on each day will be different. During this week of hesed, it is loving-kindness that motivates everything, even if what is visible to … Continue reading Day 4: Dolph Schayes
Today is four days of the omer: netzach she’b’hesed. I could have chosen Gehrig, but we did the Yankees yesterday. So I’m going with another hometown hero, New York Giant Mel Ott. (This is the team that became today’s club in San Francisco, a move that didn’t inspire as much fiery, enduring ire as a certain other New York team’s decampment to a certain other California … Continue reading day 4: the master
The journey from the slavery of Egypt recounted on the Seder night(s) to the pinnacle of Revelation on Sinai is a long one, and the kabbalists who identified the Omer with the sefirot that mark each week (and each day) knew that there would be time to reflect on each of God’s major attributes before Shavuot arrived. It is telling, though, that we begin the … Continue reading Hesed – חסד
Today is three days of the omer: tiferet she’b’hesed. Today Yankees fans can stop being mad at me (see yesterday’s post) as I honor one of their best: The Bambino, The Sultan of Swat, four-time WS winner, one of the first inaugural five HoFers, perhaps the greatest baseball player of all time, the singular Babe Ruth. (Also perhaps the player with the most nicknames of all … Continue reading day 3: the bambino
Omertime 