Jerusalem — Across Israel, as dusk settles nightly during the season between Passover and Shavuot, citizens from every walk of life take part in the tradition of Sefirat HaOmer—the counting of the Omer. Observed for more than two millennia, this ritual assumes additional resonance in 2024, as the country faces continued conflict with Iranian-backed terror groups, highlighting the intersection of Jewish heritage, national struggle, and collective purpose.
Sefirat HaOmer is a 49-day period beginning on the second night of Passover, rooted in a biblical commandment (Leviticus 23:15–16) instructing Jews to count each day until Shavuot. The original practice was tied to the barley harvest and included a ceremonial offering at the former Temple in Jerusalem. With the destruction of the Temple and exile, the Omer became a time for national reflection, personal growth, and communal mourning. The concluding festival, Shavuot, commemorates the giving of the Torah and spiritual renewal.
The daily recitation—”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”—is made only when the count is unbroken. If a day is fully missed, the blessing is omitted for the remainder of the count, reflecting the tradition’s deeper lessons in discipline and constancy.
This year, the Omer period is marked by intensified meaning. Israel continues its war against the Iranian-backed terror axis—Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and affiliated militias in Syria and Iraq—a conflict sparked anew by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack: the deadliest act of antisemitic terror since the Holocaust. Communities gather to count not just days, but also the costs of self-defense and the resilience required to endure loss and pursue justice.
The Omer’s Mourning and Modern Memorials
The middle weeks of the Omer traditionally serve as a semi-mourning period, recalling historical tragedies such as the death of Rabbi Akiva’s students, which is interpreted as a warning against internal discord. Today, Israel’s observance binds this historical consciousness with national days of remembrance: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror) both fall during the Omer. Ceremonies across the country echo the ancient prayers for redemption and for the restoration of the Temple service: “May the Compassionate One restore for us the service of the Holy Temple to its place, speedily in our days.”
In army bases, synagogues, and homes, the Omer’s prayers carry special significance for the families of those murdered, injured, or abducted in terror attacks—especially for those whose loved ones remain hostages in Gaza, their innocence in stark contrast to the convicted terrorists often proposed in exchange. The prayers become instruments of mourning, hope, and collective identity, reinforcing the ethical clarity distinguishing Israel as a democracy defending its citizens from terror groups orchestrated and armed by Iran.
Continuity and Adaptation in Time of War
Despite persistent threats, Israeli society ensures the continuity of tradition. The IDF, synagogues, and civil groups employ digital tools and messaging platforms so that soldiers on the front lines, displaced families, and dedicated citizens can uphold the daily count. Adaptations support both halachic observance and national morale, transforming the Omer into a season of national introspection and cohesion.
Educators elaborate on the historical lessons of the Omer, linking them to the imperative of unity and vigilance in the face of existential threats. Cultural programs, lectures, and art exhibitions reinterpret the Omer’s message for a society tested by conflict yet steadfast in resilience.
The Broader Conflict: Iranian-Backed Threats
At the geopolitical level, Israel’s struggle to protect its population from sustained rocket attacks and incursions by Hamas and its allies is central to this year’s Omer observance. Iran’s regime, through its proxies, continues to pursue the goal of undermining Jewish sovereignty, funding and orchestrating acts of terror designed to destabilize the region. The government and defense officials, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have reiterated that Israel’s military responses are acts of self-defense and necessity against an adversary that openly calls for its destruction and targets civilians without distinction.
International Solidarity
Jewish communities around the world mirror Israel’s observance of the Omer, adding dedications for the return of hostages, protection of Israeli defenders, and the memory of victims of terror. The global Jewish people’s affirmation of Jerusalem as their spiritual and national heartland has found renewed expression—including diplomatic recognition and support from allied nations. Still, antisemitic acts worldwide rise in the wake of conflict, reinforcing the vital importance of memory, vigilance, and accurate reporting of the war’s realities.
Conclusion: Counting Toward Hope and Restoration
As the count continues—this week marking fourteen days of the Omer, two weeks—the ritual is more than symbolic. It is a living thread uniting heritage, national sacrifice, and the striving for redemption and peace. For Israel, the Omer period becomes a daily testimony to perseverance: the belief that the journey from ancient oppression through modern adversity leads not just to survival, but to renewal, dignity, and the hope for a restored future.
