Sefirat Haomer

Counting the Omer

We are now in the middle of the counting of the Omer, I have always been somewhat perplexed by the general explanation, that this count is meant to represent the longing of the Jewish people and their preparation for the acceptance of the Torah on Mount Sinai after their freedom from the bondage of Egypt.

Is "Sefira" a Personal or Communal Obligation?

R-e-s-p-e-c-t, Find Out What It Means to You

Two ideas permeate our nightly enumeration: 1) The linking up of Pesach & Shavuot & 2) The semi-mourning practices associated with this time of the year, due to the deaths of the students of Rabbi Akiva. Is there a connection?

What Are the Different Customs for Observing the "Sefira?"

Counting

Each of the 49 intervening days as well as the seven weeks that pass between the holidays is to be counted. It is clear, though, that the Torah is insistent on this count during the interim between these two major holidays of the Jewish calendar.

Down for the Count

Alone Together

The Mourning Period of Sefirah

What Are the Guidelines for Aveilus Observed During the Sefirah Weeks?

What Are the Guidelines for Aveilus Observed During the Sefirah Weeks?