There is a Biblical commandment (Leviticus 23:15) to count the 49 days that immediately follow the first night of Passover and, on the 50th night, to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot. This period of time is called Sefirat Ha’omer, the Counting of the Omer, because the counting begins on the night before the barley offering (omer) was brought to the Temple, which was on the second day of Passover.

The connection between Passover and Shavuot: The departure of the Jews from Egypt was only the beginning of the redemption. The Exodus actually culminated with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is commemorated by the holiday of Shavuot. This connection is clearly marked by Sefirat Ha’omer, the Counting of the Omer.

How to Count the Omer: Each night, starting with the night of the second Seder, a blessing is recited and the new day is counted. The blessing is as follows:

Baruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai, Eh’lo’hay’nu Melech Ha’olam, asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzeevanu al s’feerat ha’omer.

Blessed are you L-rd, our G-d, Ruler of the world, Who sanctified us through His commandments and commanded us, regarding the counting of the Omer.

The blessing is followed by the actual counting of the day. For example: “Today is day one of the Omer”….”Today is eight days, which are one week and one day, of the Omer.” The formal counting of the day is followed by a prayer for the restoration of the Temple: “May the Compassionate One return to us the service of the Temple to its place, speedily in our days. Amen, Selah!”

If a person misses the counting of a complete day, counting may be resumed on subsequent nights, however, the blessing is no longer recited.

TODAY is the fourth day of the Omer.