How to Perform the Counting of the Omer

The Torah states that Jewish people are mandated to count the days between Passover and Shavuos, known as the Counting of the Omer. The Counting of the Omer begins with a blessing and is often followed by a series of prayers. The specific blessings and prayers vary slightly in each Synagogue and should be guided by a Rabbi; however the performance of the Counting of the Omer is fundamentally the same throughout Jewish communities.

Instructions

1. Perform the counting of the Omer every night for 49 days. Begin counting on the second night of Passover and complete the counting on the eve of Shavuos. The Torah states that the counting of the Omer should be performed when it is full night; however, calculations depend on latitude where you live and the customs of each community. It is best to follow the lead of your Rabbi or consult the schedule of your local Synagogue.

2. Stand while counting the Omer, first reciting the blessing then counting for the number of days that corresponds to that night. For example, on the first day you will recite the blessing and then say, "Today there is one day of the Omer." The day's count does not change until after the blessing, for example, if someone asks you what the count is that night you will respond with the count of the previous night until the blessing and count has been performed.

3. Remain silent between the blessing and the counting. If you happen to say anything after the blessing that is not a part of the counting of the Omer itself, you must repeat the blessing again before counting.

4. Count the weeks as well as the days as they are completed. For example, on the eighth night you will say, "Today there are eight days, which is one week plus one day of the Omer." On the fourteenth night you will say, "Today there are 14 days, which is 2 weeks of the Omer."

5. Observe the 49 days of the Counting of the Omer as a type of morning, as this time represents redemption from slavery and plague. Do not plan weddings, parties, dinners or dancing during the Counting of the Omer.

Tips & Warnings

• Prayers that relate to the Counting of the Omer are not always performed and are not mandatory; however they help to reveal the deeper significance of the counting. Again, the traditions and added details to the Counting of the Omer will depend on your Rabbi and your Synagogue.