"What is an Omer?"

When I first started to observe Passover, one of my first questions was, "What is an omer and why do we count it?" Usually the answer was, "We have to count the days between Passover and Shavuot. That's called 'Counting the Omer'." While that is a true answer, it doesn't give much of an explanation! So over the years I have learned a few things about this mysterious thing called "the Omer" and I thought I might share some of what I learned with you.

What is an "Omer"?

An "omer" is a unit of measure, specifically a measure of grain.When the Temple was still standing (may it be rebuilt soon!) an omer of wheat was cut down and brought to the Temple as an offering. That offering became known as "the Omer". The Omer was brought on the second day of Pesach.

What is the "Counting of the Omer"?

The Torah requires us to count the days between Pesach and Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks). This counting begins on the second night of Pesach - the very same day when the Omer offering was brought to the Temple. The "countdown" from Pesach to Shavuot became known an "the Counting of the Omer".

Why do we "Count the Omer" today? Can't I just look at a calendar to find the date of Shavuot?

The Counting of the Omer is more than just a  method of telling time! As we Count the Omer each day, we are reminded of the connection between our liberation on Passover and the receiving of the Torah on Shavuot. G-d did not free us from bondage so we could wander forever! He freed us so that we could serve Him and be a "light unto the gentiles". Therefore He gave us the Torah. If we had been set free to no purpose, we would have become a sad footnote to history. Instead we are people chosen for a purpose: to show the nations that a world of righteousness and peace is possible. Learning and living Torah is how we can change the world for the better!

Lag BaOmer bonfire in Israel.

What is "Lag Ba'Omer"?

During the time of the great sage Rabbi Akiva, the Omer period was not a very happy time. A plague broke out and sadly many of his students died. So today during this period we remember them by reducing our celebrations: no weddings, parties, or dances. Some people even postpone haircuts. Except on the thirty third day of the Counting of the Omer. On that day the plague broke. So we celebrate accordingly! Many families and communities have a picnic on that day. In larger Jewish communities, there are even parades and other community events. ("Lag" isn't really a word. In Hebrew letters have numerical value, in much the same way Roman numerals do. The letters that spell "Lag" total the number 33. So Lag Ba'Omer means "the 33 day of the Omer.")

As you count the Omer this year, remember that our wanderings were not aimless. We came to Sinai and received our precious Torah. May we all take this time to recommit ourselves to studying and living Torah each day.

Related links:

The Counting of the Omer

"ABCs of the Omer" (Aish.com)

Counting the Omer (USCJ)

The Counting of the Omer (URJ)