Counting of the Omer
Counting of the Omer
The period between Passover and Shavuot is called the “Counting of the Omer” (Sefirat Ha'omer). Omer means "barley sheaf" and refers to the offering brought to the Temple on the second day of Passover. Starting from that day, the Torah also instructs that “you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete: you must count until the day after the seventh week — 50 days” (Leviticus 23:15-16).
The festival of Shavuot is observed on the 50th day. According to the Bible (Leviticus 22:15), "You shall count for yourselves from the day after the day of rest, from the day brought the Omer of the wave offering; seven complete weeks there shall be, until the day after the seventh week shall you number 50 days..."
The counting, which lasts for 49 days, takes place at night, commencing with the second night of Pesach. Those who "count the Omer" recite a blessing each night of the 50-day period:
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al sefirat ha’omer.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who sanctifies us with mitzvot, and commands us concerning the counting of the Omer.
Source: The Jewish Home" (Revised Edition) by Daniel B. Syme
Check out Coloring the Omer: A New Contemplative, Mystical Practice by Chris Harrison; reformjudaism.org | March 16, 2021
Sat, September 7 2024
4 Elul 5784
Upcoming Events
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Distribute Breakfast at Hope’s Corner
Wednesday, Sep 11th 7:00a to 9:30aBeth Am is part of an interfaith group providing meals to Hope's Corner in Mountain View. We are in need of adult (aged 16+) volunteers to do food preparation under the direction of Hope’s Corner staff.
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Multifaith Peace Picnic and Prayer Service
Wednesday, Sep 11th 5:30p to 7:30pBeth Am is a co-sponsor of our community's annual Multifaith Peace Picnic and Prayer Service. In this post-October 7th environment, it is more important than ever to partner with good-hearted members of the community to help us all stay strong, safe and connected.
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JCRC Presents: Connecting Antisemitism and Democracy: An Evening With Amy Spitalnick
Thursday, Sep 12th 7:00p to 9:00pJCRC Bay Area is excited to host a conversation with Amy Spitalick, CEO of JCPA (Jewish Council of Public Affairs), to explore the connection between antisemitism and our democracy.
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Pursue Justice Presents Pinot & Postcards
Tuesday, Sep 17th 4:00p to 6:00pJoin for a postcard party to write postcards for Reclaim Our Vote (ROV), focused on voter suppression states, targeting BIPOC voters.
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Pursue Justice Presents Pinot & Postcards
Wednesday, Sep 18th 3:00p to 5:00pJoin for a postcard party to write postcards for Reclaim Our Vote (ROV), focused on voter suppression states, targeting BIPOC voters.