The Forty-Nine Days
The Omer period runs from the second night of Passover through the night before Shavuot—exactly 49 days (7 weeks). It commemorates the counting of sheaves from the barley harvest and marks the spiritual journey from freedom (Passover) to receiving Torah (Shavuot).
When and How to Count
Timing:
Count each night after nightfall (when three medium stars appear). The ideal time is after Maariv prayer, before Aleinu. However, you may count any time during the night if you miss the early window.
Special cases on holidays: On the eve of Shabbat or Yom Tov, count before Kiddush (you shouldn’t eat beforehand). At the end of Shabbat/Yom Tov, count before Havdalah.
Posture: Stand while counting and while reciting the blessing. If you counted sitting, you have fulfilled the obligation but ideally should have stood.
The Blessing and the Count
The blessing comes before counting. You must know the exact number you’re about to count before saying it.
What to say:
- Days 1–7: “Today is day [number] of the Omer”
- Day 8 onward: “Today is [number] days, which are [weeks] weeks and [days] days of the Omer”
Example: Day 15 = “Today is 15 days, which are two weeks and one day of the Omer”
Language: You may count in any language you understand. The key is that you comprehend what you’re counting—Hebrew is not required.
If You Forget a Day
If you skip a night entirely, you have lost the ability to make a blessing on subsequent nights. However, you may still count without a blessing for the remaining days.
Important: Do not tell someone the count during twilight or after they’ve asked—if you do, they may lose the ability to say the blessing when they count later that night.
Community Customs on Women
This is where practice clearly differs:
- The halacha classifies Omer-counting as time-bound, which traditionally exempts women
- Some communities report that women have historically accepted it as an obligation
- Other authorities report women do not count in their areas, and certainly should not say the blessing
Check your own community’s practice. This is not universal.
For questions about your specific situation (e.g., if you’ve missed multiple nights, or uncertainty about your community’s custom), consult your rav.
Sources
Educational note: Rebbe.IO is an AI study companion, not a posek. Practices and customs vary by community; for a personal halachic ruling, please consult your rav.
Have a follow-up? Ask the AI Rabbi for an instant, source-cited answer on any question in Torah and Jewish life.