Counting of the Omer
Counting of the Omer
The period between Passover and Shavuot is called the “Counting of the Omer” (Sefirat Ha'omer). Omer means "barley sheaf" and refers to the offering brought to the Temple on the second day of Passover. Starting from that day, the Torah also instructs that “you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete: you must count until the day after the seventh week — 50 days” (Leviticus 23:15-16).
The festival of Shavuot is observed on the 50th day. According to the Bible (Leviticus 22:15), "You shall count for yourselves from the day after the day of rest, from the day brought the Omer of the wave offering; seven complete weeks there shall be, until the day after the seventh week shall you number 50 days..."
The counting, which lasts for 49 days, takes place at night, commencing with the second night of Pesach. Those who "count the Omer" recite a blessing each night of the 50-day period:
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al sefirat ha’omer.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who sanctifies us with mitzvot, and commands us concerning the counting of the Omer.
Source: The Jewish Home" (Revised Edition) by Daniel B. Syme
Check out Coloring the Omer: A New Contemplative, Mystical Practice by Chris Harrison; reformjudaism.org | March 16, 2021
Wed, April 30 2025
2 Iyar 5785
Upcoming Events

Israel Discussion Gatherings
Friday, May 2nd 5:15p to 6:15pJoin with other Beth Am members every Friday before the Erev Shabbat service for time to reflect, discuss and listen to one another as we navigate this terribly challenging time for Israel and Jews around the world.

Erev Shabbat Service
Friday, May 2nd 6:15p to 7:30pOur worship services are musical, participatory and informal in spirit; they focus on helping us experience the spiritual renewal, peace, joy and sense of celebration that Shabbat can bring.

Oneg Shabbat
Friday, May 2nd 7:30p to 8:30pCome together after the Erev Shabbat service to enjoy some lovely oneg Shabbat refreshments.

Jumpin' with BAJY
Shabbat, May 3rd 3:00p to 5:00pAll school year 2025-2026 BAJY-ites are invited to celebrate the end of the year by having an awesome JUMP PARTY!

2025 Guthaner Lecture: Dr. Richard Kogan Presents "West Side Story" — The Mind and Music of Leonard Bernstein
Sunday, May 4th 2:00p to 3:30pDr. Kogan will focus on Leonard Bernstein, whose impact on the musical consciousness of America cannot be overstated. Richard Kogan tackles the story of this cultural colossus, focusing on the creation of his towering masterpiece of musical theatre, “West Side Story.”
Congregation Beth Am | 26790 Arastradero Road | Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 | (650) 493-4661
We strive to live as a holy community whose study and practice of Judaism inspires and challenges us to "do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God" (Micah 6:8).
Privacy Settings | Privacy Policy | Member Terms
©2025 All rights reserved. Find out more about ShulCloud