fbpx
[additional-authors]
April 25, 2002

OK. Now what’s an omer?

It is a unit of
measure — like a pound or a kilo. That is how sheaves of barley were measured. The Israelites were commanded to bring an omer of barley to the Temple on the second day of Passover. If you don’t believe me, read this week’s Torah portion, Emor. It says it right there. Then they were supposed to count 49 days from that day, until Shavuot. Lag B’Omer falls on the 33rd day of the counting of the omer. Get it?

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Mark Ruffalo, Meet Dolly Parton

Instead of the arrogance of cynicism, Parton embodied the innocence of humility. We could all use some of that humility.

The Legacy of Everyday Love

We may not remember every conversation or every accomplishment, but we remember how people made us feel. In the end, it is those ordinary acts of kindness that stay with us the longest.

I’m So (Sorta) Sorry

The classic case of a “nonapology” apology is when the allegedly contrite offender says something to the effect of “I’m so sorry that you’re upset.” Note that the speaker doesn’t actually acknowledge doing anything wrong.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.