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What is Counting of the Omer (Sefirat HaOmer)?

by Lisa Katz
for About.com

Question: What is Counting of the Omer (Sefirat HaOmer)?

Many Jews celebrate on Lag b'Omer. To understand why, one must first know the definition of the Sefirat Ha'Omer.

Answer: There are seven weeks (49 days) between the second day of Passover (when the omer was offered in the Temple) and Shavuot (the wheat harvest). The period of these seven weeks is called the Counting of the Omer (Sefirat HaOmer).

  1. What is an Omer?
  2. What is Sefirat HaOmer?
  3. Why do Jews Count the Omer?
  4. Why do Jews mourn during Counting of the Omer?
  5. What is Lag B'Omer?
  6. How do Jews celebrate Lag B'Omer?

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  7. Lag B'Omer - What is Sefirat HaOmer - Jewish Holidays

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