Counting Until the Giving of the Torah

When the Jews left Egypt, they were filled with excitement. In 49 days, they were going to receive the Torah from G-d at Mt Sinai.

They began to count the days. One day, two days... till they had counted seven full weeks.

Then it happened. G-d gave them the Torah.

Today, we still count the days between Pesach and Shavuot, as we prepare to receive the Torah again on the Festival of Shavuot. This is called “Counting the Days of the Omer,” or “Sefiras Ha’Omer.”

Here’s how to do it.

Every night, after dark, say the following blessing, and then count the proper day:

Baruch Atah Ado-nai Elo-hai-nu Melech Ha-olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’Mitzvotav V’tzi-vanu Al Sefirat Ha-Omer.

Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has made us holy with His Commandments, and commanded us concerning the counting of the Omer.

Then we count the day saying:

“Today is one day (or two days, or three days, etc.) of the Omer.”

We begin counting the Omer on the second night of Pesach.

What If You Forget To Count?

If you forget to count at night, you can count throughout the next day (without saying the blessing). The following evening you can count again with the blessing.

If you forget to count for a whole day, you should still keep on counting the days until Shavuos, but you do not say the blessing any more.

How To Use Your Chart:

Each time you count a day of the Omer, color in the space on the chart above for that day.

On Shabbat, we do not color nor write, so it is best to wait until Saturday night to color in the space for Friday night. (Be sure to make Havdallah before you begin to color.) On Yom Tov (Jewish holidays), we also do not color nor write. You should wait until after Yom Tov is over and Havdallah has been said.