How to Respect Sefirah

Sefirah, also known as Sfirat HaOmer, the "Counting of the Grain," is an important Jewish tradition. Sefirah lasts for 49 or 50 days, depending on whether you include the final day of Shavout into your counting. During this period of semi-mourning, the period symbolizing the time between release of the Jews from slavery in Egypt and the granting of the Torah, devout Jews respect Sefirah by engaging in a daily, symbolic counting process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sefirah calendar

Begin the Count

1. Consult with a Sefirah calendar to find out which of this year's dates line up with the appropriate dates on the Hebrew calendar for beginning the Sefirah count. You can find a calendar at Chabad.org (see Resources below).

2. Precede the day's count with the following blessing (to be said at nightfall before the actual numbered day only): "Blessed are You, Lord God, King (or Master) of the Universe, you who has sanctified us with your commandments and commanded us to count the Omer."

3. State the count in these terms: "Today is the 16th (or whatever day it is) of the Omer." If you speak Hebrew, you may say the count in that language.

Avoid Forbidden Tasks

4. Avoid getting haircuts, going to parties and listening to music during the 7 weeks of Sefirah. This is to reinforce the idea that this is a period of semi-mourning, to be relieved when man receives spiritual guidance, in remembrance of the granting of the Torah.

5. Know that the 33rd day of Omer is the day of Lag Ba'omer. On this day, and on this day of Omer only, the restrictions of the period are lifted. During this day many Jews engage in otherwise forbidden activities like getting haircuts, shaving and listening to music.

Engage in Spiritual Growth

6. Take up an activity during the 7 weeks of Omer that will encourage spiritual growth, since this is a time to celebrate the lifting of consciousness. Keep a journal or meet with other Jewish believers, if you choose, to discuss the meaning of the season.

7. Read the Torah during Omer if you want to reinvigorate your faith. The Sefirah is intricately tied to the granting of the Torah to the Jewish people at Mt. Sinai. There are few better way to respect Sefirah than to offer respect to that book which has guided millions for eons.

Tips & Warnings

• If you forget to say the blessing and the count at nightfall of the preceding evening, you may say the count the following day, but must forego the blessing.

Resources

• Sefirah calendar for current year at Chabad.org