Counting the Omer 5768

We are currently in a special period of time between Pesach (which this year began on April 19, 15 Nisan) and Shavuot (which this year falls on June 8, 6 Sivan). During this time, we engage in a counting ritual called "Counting the Omer."

What does it mean to count the omer? Each night from the second night of Pesach to the First night of Shavuot, Jews say a one line blessing and declare the day of the omer we are entering.

What is an "Omer"? "Omer" is the Hebrew word for a certain measure of barley. During biblical times, an "omer" of barley was brought to the Temple as an offering on the second day of Pesach. Leviticus 22:15 instructs us to count 49 days (7 weeks) from the second day of Pesach to Shavuot (the Festival of Weeks).

Why do we count the omer? Even though we no longer bring offerings to the Temple, this is a period of time in which we recognize ourselves as a wandering people. According to the narrative of our cyclical calendar, we have just been freed from Egypt (Pesach), but we are yet to receive the Torah on Mt. Sinai (Shavuot). This is a time of anticipation and longing. During the omer, time is meant to be noticed and reflected upon.

The blessing for counting the omer is:
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.

Check out Online Omer Counters: For excellent commentary and detailed instructions on counting the omer, visit the My Jewish Learning entry by Rabbi Jill Jacobs. Or, for a really funny downloadable Omer calendar, check out Counting the Homer (as in Simpson).