YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Sefirat Haomer
- The Laws of Sefirat Ha'omer
David walked over to Avraham’s bed, and gently whispered in his ear "Avraham, wake up. Let’s count sefira together."
Avraham groggily sat up, and yawned. He didn’t look entirely awake, but David was determined to give Avraham the chance to count.
"Avraham, repeat after me," David instructed. "Baruch… atah…"
Avraham repeated word after word, as his father recited the bracha and said the appropriate count for that night. Avraham crawled back under his blanket, and was quickly asleep. David breathed a sigh of relief. Now Avraham wouldn’t be upset about missing the count.
The next morning, as David stood in the kitchen washing his hands, Avraham burst into the room. "Abba!" Avraham cried out, sounding close to tears "I didn’t count sefira last night!"
"Avraham, don’t you remember, I counted with you in the middle of the night!" David happily related to his son.
"Whaa? What do you mean?" Avraham responded uncomprehendingly. "I didn’t count last night."
David attempted to remind David about the late night counting episode, to no avail. Avraham had obviously been half asleep at the time, and had no memory of that occurrence.
Did Avraham fulfill his obligation to count sefira, or should he repeat the count?
Answer of Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl, shlita:
It appears that Avraham fulfilled his obligation. One who counts sefira while he is mitnamnem (dozing) has fulfilled his obligation. (see Shulchan Aruch, siman 63, se’if 5).
When is a person considered to be "dozing?" When one calls to the person and he answers, yet he is incapable of presenting his own idea. (see Mishna Berura, siman 680, se’if katan 39) In our case, Avraham is considered "mitnamnem", and, therefore, it seems that he has fulfilled his obligation.
However, it is questionable whether or not Avraham had intention to perform a mitzva. On the other hand, according to the majority of halachic decisors, sefirat Ha’omer in our days is a rabbinic mitzva, and rabbinic mitzvot do not require intention. (see Mishna Berura, siman 61, se’if katan 10). Therefore, it appears that, in our case, Avraham fulfilled his obligation.
In summary: It appears that Avraham fulfilled his obligation to count sefirat Ha’omer.
Compiled by Daniel Kirsch
Translation: Avigail Kirsch
Peninei Halakha 12. A Brief Summary of the Joyous Days within the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
