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SEFIRAS

HA’OMER -

COUNTING

THE OMER

As stated in the Torah, there is a mitzvah to count forty-nine it is permitted to count
days from after the first day of Pesach until Shavuos (Vayikra immediately after If one davens at an early Ma’ariv
23:15-16). According to many authorities, this obligation sunset. Counting at where they are counting
applies only when there is a Beis Hamikdash (Holy Temple). this time, however, Sefira the following dilemma
Currently, since we do not have a Beis Hamikdash, the is far from ideal, and may arise: On one hand, it is
mitzvah to count Sefiras Ha’Omer is Midrabbanan (Rabbinic). the appropriate time proper to wait for the later,
Aside from the nightly mitzvah of counting the Omer, there to count begins fifty more appropriate time. But
are additional restrictions regarding mourning which will be minutes after sunset. on the other hand, if one
discussed below. Some shuls count pushes it off, he may forget
immediately after to count later and end up not
Mincha/Ma’ariv, but counting at all! The Mishnah
PROCEDURE this is only meant for Berurah (489:16) addresses

When counting the Omer, the correct posture is to stand those who would not this as follows: Count with the
without leaning on anything. One must know what number remember to count at shul but without a bracha, and
is going to be counted before starting the bracha. After the the proper time. stipulate that you only wish to
brocha, the only statement that must be recited is the day- One who neglected to fulfill the obligation now if you
specific sentence, i.e. “Hayom … ba’omer - Today is … days, in count at night should end up forgetting to count at
the Omer”. (See page 115 for this year’s chart.) In the siddur still count during the the later, proper time. Then,
there are many additional texts before and after the Sefiras next day until sunset, when the appropriate time
Ha’Omer. There are different customs as to whether these but the bracha is not arrives, count as you would
are recited or not, but all agree that they are not obligatory. normally with a bracha In this
recited when counting way, you will be completely
at this time. What covered.
WHO IS OBLIGATED? happens if someone
missed an entire
Men and boys over the age of bar mitzvah are obligated to night/day? If an entire night/day was definitely missed, one
count. Once boys are old enough to understand the mitzvah’s continues to count for the duration of the Omer but may no
concept, they are to be trained to perform it. Women and longer recite the bracha. However, one who is merely unsure
girls may count if they wish (and recite the bracha if they whether a night/day was missed, continues to count for the
follow Ashkenazic tradition), but they are not obligated to do duration of the Omer and recites the bracha as usual.
so.

OTHER MISHAPS
TIMING AND RELATED MISHAPS
If the wrong number was mentioned, it must be corrected,
The Omer is counted every night, from the second night of as follows: If the number is corrected within two seconds,
Pesach until the night before Shavuos. Technically speaking,

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