The Counting of the Omer
The seven-week (49-day) period between Passover and Shavuot is called the Omer. In the days of Ancient Israel the Jewish people would bring a barley offering to the Temple on the day after the Sabbath following Passover during the week of Unleavened Bread. (Leviticus 23:10). This was called the “Omer” (literally, “sheaf”) and in practical terms would permit the consumption of recently-harvested grains.
The Torah (Leviticus 23:15) says it is a mitzvah every day to “count the Omer” – the 50 days leading up to Shavuot. This is an important period of growth and introspection, in preparation for the holiday of Shavuot which arrives 50 days later.
“‘From the day after the Sabbath (Saturday, April 27, 2024), the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.
What to Say
One stands when counting the omer, and begins by reciting the following blessing:
Barukh ata Adonai
Eloheinu Melekh ha’Olam
asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
v’tizivanu al sefirat ha’omer.
Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who has sanctified us with your commandments and commanded us to count the omer.
Today is the ______ day of the omer.
We have thus fulfilled the mitzvah of counting the Omer!
The seven-week (49-day) period between Passover and Shavuot is called the Omer. In the days of Ancient Israel the Jewish people would bring a barley offering to the Temple on the day after the Sabbath following Passover during the week of Unleavened Bread. (Leviticus 23:10). This was called the “Omer” (literally, “sheaf”) and in practical terms would permit the consumption of recently-harvested grains.
The Torah (Leviticus 23:15) says it is a mitzvah every day to “count the Omer” – the 50 days leading up to Shavuot. This is an important period of growth and introspection, in preparation for the holiday of Shavuot which arrives 50 days later.
“‘From the day after the Sabbath (Saturday, April 27, 2024), the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.
What to Say
One stands when counting the omer, and begins by reciting the following blessing:
Barukh ata Adonai
Eloheinu Melekh ha’Olam
asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
v’tizivanu al sefirat ha’omer.
Blessed are you, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who has sanctified us with your commandments and commanded us to count the omer.
Today is the ______ day of the omer.
We have thus fulfilled the mitzvah of counting the Omer!
Day 18 Meditation:
Today on day 18 of counting the Omer up to Shavu’ot we meditate on how Tiferet (Beautiful Compassionate Balance and Harmony) correlates with Netzach (Perseverance to Overcome and be Victorious)
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: Does your compassion waver when you’re busy, having a hard day or discouraged? Maybe there is someone in your life who continually needs your compassion. In the middle of your busy day take a moment and call someone who needs a compassionate word. Defend someone who is in need of sympathy even if it’s not a popular position.
Today on day 18 of counting the Omer up to Shavu’ot we meditate on how Tiferet (Beautiful Compassionate Balance and Harmony) correlates with Netzach (Perseverance to Overcome and be Victorious)
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: Does your compassion waver when you’re busy, having a hard day or discouraged? Maybe there is someone in your life who continually needs your compassion. In the middle of your busy day take a moment and call someone who needs a compassionate word. Defend someone who is in need of sympathy even if it’s not a popular position.