The Omer: Week 4, Netzach (KB)

We have entered the fourth of the seven weeks of the Omer, corresponding to the Sefira of Netzach, which channels the energy of victory and endurance into the universe. The chariot for this energy is Moses, and we see this in the Bible when it says that in the fight between the Israelites and the nation of Amalek, Moses stood on a nearby hill and controlled the course of battle by raising or lowering his hands. (Exodus 17:11) Victory, in effect, was literally in his arms. Moses was given the job of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, because it was through his tremendous spiritual effort and endurance that he achieved total understanding. The Rav tells us that the energies of the ten Sefirot are found in certain precious and semiprecious stones, specifically those mentioned in the Torah in connection with the High Priest’s breastplate. The ability of those stones to reflect the light of their different colors represents their ability to transmit the metaphysical power of the Sefirot. Today, we see the energy force in these stones in science: the hardness of the diamond, the light-emitting properties of the ruby being used in lasers, and the constant vibratory quality of quartz used in watches and clocks. The energy of Netzach, which is the victory brought about by the unification of The Desire to Receive and The Desire to Share into The Desire to Receive for the Sake of Sharing, became consolidated in the stone called tarnish, better known as topaz. Topaz is recognized for its healing properties, and its molecular vibration is said to aid in releasing stuck energy and in connecting to personal truth. Netzach and topaz correspond to the third chakra, the solar plexus. When this chakra is balanced, we feel self-respect, acceptance, and inner strength. Imbalances in this chakra give rise to self-esteem issues and fears of rejection and criticism. This week, we can focus on cultivating the inner strength and fortitude of Netzach to triumph over our inner blockages, and thus come closer to becoming the beacon of Light for others that we are intended to be. We are all a part of the energy of the Light Force of the Creator, and therefore we all have the power to change that which is dark into Light. Most important is to remember that whatever spiritual path we are on and whatever our course of study, our primary purpose is to advance the cause of unity, not separation; the cause of human dignity, not degradation; and the cause of respectful treatment, not the humiliation of our fellow human beings. This is what it means to be truly victorious, to draw the light of the Sefira of Netzach.