Count for this day in the evening of the date listed above.
Counting the Omer begins the second night of Passover, which is April 9, 2020. The last day of counting is May 27, 2020.
You can learn more about the history and practice of counting the Omer here.
day 2: qualities of focus
The first week of the Omer is focused on loving-kindness (chesed).
The second day of the week is focused on discipline and strength. (gevurah).
Today is focused on discipline and strength, balanced by the loving-kindness associated with the week.
the blessing for counting the Omer
the blessing for counting the Omer
It’s traditional to say a blessing each evening, followed by reciting which day of which week it is in the seven week Omer journey. Here’s the blessing. I’ve included a version in English, one with feminized language for God, and one using te traditional masculine text. Use whichever version or versions work for you!
English version of the blessing
Blessed are you, Eternal One-ness, Source and Breath of All Life, that has made us holy with your mitzvot, and compels us to count the Omer.
If you prefer feminine God language in Hebrew:
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בִּמְצַוְּתָהּ וְצִוָּנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹמֶר
B’rukhah at Yah Eloheynu khay ha’olamim asher kideshatnu bemitzvoteha vetzivatnu al sefirat ha’omer.
If you prefer masculine God language, or just like the traditional way of saying the blessing:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹמֶר
Baruch ata adonai, eloheynu melech ha-olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al sefirat ha-omer.
today is…
Here’s today’s count, in Hebrew (transliterated), and English.
Ha-yom shenei yamim la-omer.”
“Today is the second day of the Omer.”
Let me know if you have any questions. I’ve never done this before via blog post, and need your help to make sure everything works!
prefer Hebrew script?
If you prefer to read the blessing in Hebrew, check out this app.
Or look in your favorite siddur (prayer book). It can often be found at the end of the evening service.
today’s poetic meditation
I’m posting a poetic meditation for each day to enhance the journey. Each meditation is focused on the kabbalistic qualities (sefirot) associated with the day.
Some people like to read the meditations when they say the blessing at night. Others like to contemplate them in the morning to provide spiritual nourishment for the day’s activities.
Experiment, and see what works for you!
gevurah b’chesed: powered by love
Some learning
comes to us like puzzles
that are difficult to piece together.
Some come
like an idyllic painting
that we can understand immediately.
Some relationships
are tricky to maneuver,
filled with jagged edges
that cut us,
while some are so soft
and rounded, we can barely
tell where one person ends
and the other begins.
Gevurah is strength
which keeps us intact,
helps us maintain our integrity,
without which even our love
can become self-destructive.
What keeps you intact?
What helps you be honest
with yourself,
and with others?
These are things to cherish
as you cross through the 2nd gate.
Prefer to hold a book in your hand?
You might be interested in getting a copy of Rabbi Shifrah’s book, “Omer/Teshuvah: 49 Poetic Meditations for Counting the Omer or Turning toward a New Year”. Interested? Email rabbishifrah@gmail.com .
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