Ask the rabbi: what are the different customs for observing the "Sefira?"

Counting from Beginning to End

What really happened to the students of Rabbi Akiva?

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?!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

10. Specific Laws Regarding the Mitzva of Sefirat ha-Omer

If, at a time when it is permissible to count, one’s friend asks him, “What is today’s omer count?” one should not answer, “Today is day such-and-such of the omer,” unless he has already counted with a berakha.

9. Women and Sefirat ha-Omer

women are exempt from the mitzva of sefirat ha-omer, as it is dependent on time. However, a woman who wants to perform this mitzva may do so.

8. Counting with a Berakha in Cases of Uncertainty

One who is uncertain whether he neglected to count one day may continue counting with a berakha, because we only defer to the opinion that one cannot continue counting with a berakha when one is certain that he missed a day.