JERUSALEM—Each evening across Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, the tradition of counting the Omer—Sefirat HaOmer—is observed, connecting the Jewish nation’s ancient origins to its ongoing story of resilience and renewal. Amid contemporary trials, including ongoing threats from terrorist organizations such as Hamas and persistent regional tensions, this ritual embodies the perseverance and spiritual strength that continue to define Israel’s identity.
Religious Mandate and Historical Roots
The counting of the Omer is commanded in the Torah, specifically in Leviticus 23:15–16. From the second night of Passover, Jews begin counting forty-nine days leading to the festival of Shavuot. The practice originally marked the period between the barley harvest’s beginning and the first wheat offering at the Temple in Jerusalem, forging an enduring link between Israel’s agricultural traditions and its spiritual journey.
Without the Temple, this daily counting becomes both a memorial to loss and a statement of hope. Traditional laws dictate that one recites a specific blessing—”Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning the counting of the Omer.” Yet, if a participant misses a day, subsequent days are counted without the blessing, a reminder of the importance placed on memory and continuity in Judaism.
Prayer and Aspiration: Yearning for Restoration
Each count concludes with a plea for renewal: “May the Merciful One restore the service of the Temple to its place, speedily in our days, Amen.” This prayer, unchanged through centuries of exile and adversity, expresses the yearning for a return to Jerusalem’s sanctity and a restoration of Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel. The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE marked a turning point, compelling generations to direct their hope and faith toward a distant but ever-present future.
Marking Mourning, Affirming Hope
The weeks of Sefirat HaOmer are marked by semi-mourning. Customs such as refraining from weddings and haircuts recall tragedies during the Omer, most notably the deaths of Rabbi Akiva’s students at the hands of Roman authorities. For contemporary Israel, this season intersects with Remembrance Day (Yom HaZikaron) for fallen soldiers and terror victims, deepening the national connection to themes of sacrifice and resilience.
The onset of the Sefirat HaOmer period this year is particularly poignant, coming in the wake of the October 7th Hamas massacre—the deadliest antisemitic atrocity since the Holocaust. As Israeli society continues to recover, the Omer ritual stands as a powerful symbol of collective dignity, continuity, and hope. The daily act of counting and prayer channels not only personal faith but also a shared national commitment to honor memory and rebuild.
Contemporary Context: A Season of Vigilance
Israel’s present is shaped by enduring security concerns. The war against Iranian-backed terrorist networks—Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Islamic Jihad—frames the daily reality of defense and vigilance. The IDF, under the leadership of Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, undertakes continuous operations to safeguard Israeli citizens amid rocket attacks and abductions, including the ongoing hostage crisis following the 2023 massacre.
Civilians and soldiers alike recite the Omer count, even in bomb shelters or during military deployments. The ritual’s daily cadence affirms life and moral clarity, distinguishing Israel’s defense of innocent citizens from the criminal aggression of terror groups.
Sefirat HaOmer in Modern Israel: Nationhood and Identity
The reestablishment of Jewish sovereignty in 1948 marked a significant realization of aspirations embodied in the Omer prayer. Yet, as Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have emphasized, the struggle for security and legitimacy remains fraught. The Omer counting resonates as a quiet declaration of perseverance, marking both individual and collective journeys.
Commemorative and educational institutions often utilize the Omer period to impart lessons on heritage, sacrifice, and national unity. Israeli schools and military units use the counting to reinforce values of mutual responsibility, dignity, and faith, especially in the face of delegitimization campaigns by hostile actors and the international community’s reluctance to decisively confront terror.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Tradition in Israel’s Resilience
As geopolitical dynamics shift, the ancient practice of Sefirat HaOmer serves as an ever-present link between past and present. It allows Jewish Israelis to frame their struggle for survival within a narrative of unbroken continuity. The simple act of counting—from bondage to freedom, from loss toward renewal—acquires profound significance as new generations are called to defend and define Israel’s future.
In every family, school, army unit, and community where Sefirat HaOmer is observed, the tradition offers reassurance that Israel’s existence is anchored in faith, memory, and an ongoing commitment to rebuild. The days may be counted one by one, but their cumulative power is expressed in the unyielding resolve of a nation determined never to forget its past nor forsake its destiny.
As the Omer count continues through the spring, Israel’s citizens and leaders are reminded not only of ancient prayers for redemption but also of the very real, modern necessity to stand guard over freedom, sovereignty, and hope.
