Why Do We Count the Omer?

Each spring, right after the celebration of Passover (Pesach)—the festival of freedom—Jews begin a quiet, powerful ritual: counting the Omer. But why do we count the Omer? What is this ancient tradition really about?

What Is the Omer?

The word Omer originally referred to a measure of barley brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. In the Torah, we're commanded to count seven weeks (49 days) from the second night of Passover until Shavuot, the holiday that commemorates receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai.

While the agricultural origins of the Omer are tied to the spring harvest, the spiritual meaning of counting the Omer is far deeper—especially for those seeking personal growth, renewal, and purpose.

You Can’t Become Free Overnight

Judaism understands something many modern self-help movements miss: liberation is only the first step. Yes, Passover celebrates our freedom from Egypt, from slavery, from oppression. But then what?

You can’t become free overnight. Even when the chains are broken, it takes time to shed the habits, fears, and mindset of bondage. True freedom isn’t just about what you leave behind—it’s about who you choose to become.

What will you do with this new freedom?
Who are you when you’re not defined by your past limits?
What kind of person do you want to be in the world?

The Omer Is a 49-Day Spiritual Journey

The 49 days of the Omer offer a sacred container for this process. Each day we count is like a step on a path of introspection, healing, and transformation. By the time we reach Shavuot, we’re not just celebrating the giving of the Torah—we’re preparing to receive it with open, intentional hearts.

The mystics mapped the Omer count to seven emotional-spiritual qualities, called the sefirot—like compassion, discipline, balance, humility, and more. Each week explores one of these aspects, giving you space to examine how you embody or struggle with them in your own life.

Why the Omer Still Matters Today

In a fast-paced world, the Omer invites us to slow down and check in with ourselves. It's a ritual for people who are in transition—leaving behind old ways and stepping into something new. If you’ve recently made a change, or feel a shift stirring inside you, this sacred count can help you move through it with intention.

You are no longer enslaved to the things that once held you back. But now comes the real work: becoming the person you’re meant to be.

The Omer is your guide.

Ready to Start Your Omer Journey?

You don’t need to be religious. You don’t need a rabbi. You just need a moment each day to ask yourself:
Who am I becoming?

Whether you're discovering this tradition for the first time or reconnecting with it in a new way, the Omer is here to help you grow.

A Beginner’s Guide to Counting the Omer

Getting started is simple—all you need is willingness, a few minutes a day, and a little curiosity about yourself. You can count the Omer with a simple nightly blessing (found in most Jewish prayer books or online), and then spend a moment reflecting.

Here’s a week-by-week guide to help you dive in:

Week 1: Chesed – Love & Lovingkindness

• Where do I offer love freely?

• What stops me from giving or receiving love?

Week 2: Gevurah – Strength & Boundaries

• Where do I need firmer boundaries?

• How can I honor discipline without being rigid?

Week 3: Tiferet – Harmony & Compassion

• Where can I create more balance?

• How can I lead with empathy?

Week 4: Netzach – Endurance & Ambition

• What am I committed to, even when it's hard?

• What helps me persevere?

Week 5: Hod – Humility & Gratitude

• Where do I need to let go of control?

• What am I thankful for today?

Week 6: Yesod – Connection & Foundation

• What relationships ground me?

• What kind of connection am I craving?

Week 7: Malchut – Presence & Purpose

• How can I show up more fully in my life?

• What kind of world do I want to help create?

Each day, you can journal, meditate, walk, or even create something based on the theme. Or use our book of daily Omer rituals for an activity to do each day. You don’t need to do it perfectly. The Omer is about progress, not perfection.