YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Peninei Halakha
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Sefirat Haomer
- The Laws of Sefirat Ha'omer
A fundamental question about sefirat ha-omer is whether the mitzva is mandated by Torah law or rabbinical enactment while the Temple no longer stands. The Torah says, "And from the day on which you bring the omer of elevation offering – the day after the "Shabbat" – you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete" (Vayikra 23:15).
According to Rosh, Ran, and many other Rishonim, the Torah commandment to count the omer applies only when the omer offering is brought on the sixteenth of Nisan in the Temple. Today, however, when we do not bring this offering, the mitzva is only mandated rabbinically. The Sages enacted that we continue performing this mitzva in commemoration of the sefirat ha-omer that was practiced in the time of the Temple. For this reason, right after counting, we customarily recite a short prayer for the rebuilding of the Temple. After all, when the Temple is rebuilt, we will once again be fulfilling a Torah commandment by performing this mitzva, not merely a rabbinic decree.
However, Rambam and Raavya maintain that the omer offering is mentioned in the verse only to teach us the date on which we begin to count the omer. It is not a necessary condition for the fulfillment of the mitzva. Therefore, the Torah commandment of sefirat ha-omer applies even today, when the Temple is in ruins and we are unable to bring the omer offering.
The practical ramifications of this dispute concerns situations of uncertainty. For example, if one counts during bein ha-shmashot (twilight, between shki’a and tzeit) it is questionable whether he fulfills the mitzva of sefirat ha-omer. If we consider bein ha-shmashot day, he does not fulfill his obligation, because the time for the next day’s count did not yet arrive. If we consider it night, however, he fulfills his obligation. Shulĥan Arukh (489:2) and the majority of poskim maintain that one who counts during bein ha-shmashot fulfills his obligation, because, in their opinion, sefirat ha-omer is a rabbinic mitzva nowadays, and we rule leniently in cases of uncertainty about a rabbinic law. However, many Aĥaronim write that it is proper to act strictly and count again, without a berakha, after tzeit, in order to fulfill the mitzva even according to those who maintain that sefirat ha-omer is a Torah commandment nowadays, and thus one must act strictly in cases of uncertainty (Eliya Rabba; mb 489:15; bhl 489:1, s.v. "lispor ha-omer").
The Laws of Purim 16. Costumes and the Prohibition of Lo Yilbash
Chapter 16: The Mitzvot of Joy and Kindness
Rabbis in Midrash
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
