"And from the day on which you bring the sheaf (omer) of elevation offering, the day after the Sabbath, you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete; you must count until the day after the seventh week, fifty days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to the L-rd.” (Leviticus 23:15-16)

These simple verses lie at the heart of several aspects of Jewish observance, ranging from acknowledging G-d’s gifts in agricultural produce, to mystical ascent from the impurity of Egyptian bondage, to the purity of G-d’s revelation to His people Israel, at Mount Sinai. Counting the Omer has levels of meaning for our incorporation into daily Jewish practice.

In Biblical times, the Omer offering (presented on the 16th of Nisan) represented the Israelites’ appreciation of their good harvest. Once they brought the first sheaf of grain, they were permitted to enjoy the new grain crop.

By the time of the rabbinic period, only barley was permitted for this offering. The Mishna elaborates on the festive procedures of harvesting, winnowing, parching, grinding, and drying the barley until it is given to the Kohen. The Kohen mixed the grain with oil and frankincense, and offers it before G-d.

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