69 Lessons
Emor All for One, One for All
Why don’t we just make one bracha at the beginning of the count, on the first night, & then say a closing bracha on the last night? Why are there 49 separate brachot recited?!
The Meaning Sefirat Ha'omer Post-Pesach Reflections on Redemption
Pesach is over - but we have permanently absorbed yet another portion of freedom. Yet another peel of Exile has been removed from us. We have shed yet another layer of self-nullification before others, and of blind admiration of customs found in the nations of the West or the Far East. We have grown stronger in getting to know ourselves, in healthy self-confidence, and in appreciation of the value of the People of Israel and its great destiny to shine the light of G-d throughout the world
Peninei Halakha 12. A Brief Summary of the Joyous Days within the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
There are different Halachos on the Joyous Days within the Omer Period.
Peninei Halakha 11. She-heheyanu
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
During the omer period, one may buy a new fruit, garment, or piece of furniture and recite the berakha of She-heheyanu over it.
Peninei Halakha 10. Listening to Music on Electronic Devices
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Many poskim maintain that there is no difference between listening to live music and listening to music on the radio or any other electronic device.
Peninei Halakha 9. Brit Mila, Hakhnasat Sefer Torah, and Bar Mitzva Celebrations
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
One may hold a se’udat mitzva and sing and dance at such a meal, just as one does throughout the year.
Peninei Halakha 8. Dancing and Musical Instruments
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Since it is customary not to celebrate too much during the omer period, the Aĥaronim write that one may not engage in optional dancing. They also forbid playing or listening to musical instruments.
Peninei Halakha 7. Shaving
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
A question arises regarding the issue of shaving during the omer period. May one who shaves regularly throughout the year do so during this period?
Peninei Halakha 6. Haircuts
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
The Rishonim write that one should not get a haircut during the omer period. Only regular haircuts, which include an element of joy, are prohibited.
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Now that we have discussed the duration of the mourning period, we will outline the laws of the various customs in detail
Peninei Halakha 4. Ashkenazic Practice
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
The prevalent custom among Ashkenazim in Israel today amalgamates several traditions. Most customs of mourning last until Lag Ba-omer, while some continue afterward.
Peninei Halakha 3. Sephardic Practice
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
According to Shulĥan Arukh , the customs of mourning begin on the first day of the omer and last until the morning of the 34th.
Peninei Halakha 2. The Duration of the Mourning Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Peninei Halakha 1. The Reason for These Customs
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
The days between Pesaĥ and Shavu’ot are days of sorrow, because 24,000 of R. Akiva’s students died during that period. Therefore, we keep some customs of mourning during this period.
