JERUSALEM—As Israel continues to confront escalating threats from Iranian-backed terror groups including Hamas and Hezbollah, the annual observance of the Counting of the Omer (Sefirat HaOmer) takes on added significance. This forty-nine-day spiritual journey, stretching from Passover to Shavuot, connects past generations and current struggles, providing the people of Israel with a daily anchor of faith, communal solidarity, and hope for renewal.
The ritual begins each evening with a blessing—“Baruch Atah Hashem, Elokeinu Melech Ha’Olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav V’tzivanu Al Sefirat HaOmer”—and a verbal count, as in this period’s tally: “Today is twenty-five days, which are three weeks and four days of the Omer.” A central prayer concludes: “HaRachaman Hu Yachazir Lanu Avodat Beit HaMikdash Limkomah, Bimheira Beyameinu, Amen Selah,” expressing yearning for national and spiritual restoration.
An Ancient Practice with Contemporary Meaning
The origins of Sefirat HaOmer are agricultural, marking the movement from the barley harvest to the wheat harvest—symbolic of transition from physical sustenance to spiritual enlightenment. With the destruction of the Second Temple almost two thousand years ago, the Omer period acquired aspects of communal mourning, symbolizing loss, resilience, and enduring hope. Over centuries, and especially since the rebirth of the State of Israel, this ritual has come to embody perseverance—linking both ancient aspiration and modern struggle.
Today, such resilience is put to the test. Iranian-backed terror organizations—Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, along with their affiliates in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq—continue directing violence against Israel’s cities and civilians. The aftershock of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre, the deadliest antisemitic atrocity since the Holocaust, reverberates still, with families counting days since loved ones were abducted while the nation counts the days of the Omer. The ritual is a daily act of remembrance and an affirmation of faith in Israel’s resilience.
Mourning, Reflection, and Communal Support
During the Omer, traditional Jewish practice restricts celebrations such as weddings and live music. In Israel, this period of semi-mourning often overlaps with national days of remembrance like Yom HaZikaron, linking biblical tradition with national history and communal solidarity. Families in mourning, many still reeling from recent attacks, find solace and structure in the nightly counting, sustaining spirit and community amid grief.
Strength and Moral Clarity Amid War
The Omer period underscores the stark differences between Israel’s values and the objectives of its adversaries. The Israeli military’s actions are rooted in national self-defense and the protection of civilians, in contrast to the terror campaigns waged by Hamas and Iran-backed proxies, who routinely target innocents and publicize atrocities with the intent to terrorize. Documented acts—executions, sexual violence, mutilations, and abductions—by groups like Hamas are recognized internationally as barbaric crimes. Israeli society’s ongoing prayers for the restoration of the Temple, and for peace and security, highlight a national commitment to spiritual and moral principles amid existential threats.
The Role of Faith in National Unity and Military Service
The Omer’s cadence unites diverse sectors of Israeli society and the global Jewish diaspora—secular, religious, soldiers on alert, families under fire, and communities abroad. Modern technology has enabled new forms of participation: smartphone reminders, online forums, and educational programs help millions keep track, including soldiers in field operations. For many in the IDF, counting the Omer each night becomes an act of courage, discipline, and connection to home and tradition.
Political Leadership and Collective Aspiration
Israel’s top officials regularly draw on the themes of endurance and hope central to the Omer. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Israel Katz, and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir emphasize faith, perseverance, and unwavering national purpose in public statements. These values anchor the country’s response to ongoing threats and define its stand as a democracy defending its citizens against ongoing, Iranian-backed aggression.
International Solidarity and the Diaspora Connection
Millions of Jews outside Israel also mark the Omer, finding meaning in solidarity with Israel during challenging times. Diaspora communities—especially in the United States and Europe, where antisemitism is once again on the rise—use the Omer as a time to strengthen communal ties and collective identity. Synagogues report rising attendance, and international Jewish organizations intensify support for Israel.
Conclusion: Faith, Identity, and the Struggle for Survival
As Israel faces adversity at home and abroad, the Counting of the Omer becomes much more than a religious routine. It is a reaffirmation of the Jewish people’s unbroken spirit, resilience, and hopes for restoration in a dangerous world. Each night’s count is a small act of civilization, faith, and purpose—standing in defiance of terror and in affirmation of an ancient promise and a modern nation’s survival.
Sources: Statements from Israeli government and military officials, Jewish Agency for Israel, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S. State Department, contemporaneous reporting and documented eyewitness accounts related to the October 7 massacre, historical and religious resources regarding the Omer and related traditions.
