By Betzy Lynch in La Jolla, California
The second day of Passover marks the beginning of the ancient tradition known as the counting of the Omer. The word Omer originally referred to a sheaf of barley brought as an offering to the Temple in Jerusalem. This offering was made on the second day of Passover, beginning a 49-day count, seven full weeks, culminating in the holiday of Shavuot. In ancient Israel, this period bridged the barley harvest and the wheat harvest.
Originally, the Omer offering expressed gratitude for the harvest. After the Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, the physical offering ceased, but the practice of counting continued as a verbal and spiritual ritual. Over time, the Omer evolved from an agricultural observance into a journey of inner growth.
In the Rabbinic tradition, these 49 days became a bridge between freedom and purpose. Passover commemorates the Israelites’ physical liberation from slavery, while Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, the moment that defined the Jewish people’s spiritual purpose and covenant with G-d. The days in between invite us to reflect on how we become worthy of freedom and how we transform it into responsibility, to live with intention and to be a light among the nations.
Over the past few years, I’ve met many people who describe themselves as “culturally Jewish” or Jewish by heritage alone, yet feel a pull to reconnect. Often, they begin with self-judgment: “I’m a bad Jew, I don’t celebrate holidays or go to synagogue.” When I hear this, I encourage a gentler approach. Rather than judging what hasn’t been done, we can open ourselves to curiosity and possibility without making ourselves wrong.
The counting of the Omer is a beautiful place to begin. You may even find meaning in this practice even if you are a faith other than Jewish or no faith at all. Its daily rhythm offers 49 opportunities to pause, reflect, and notice the sacred within ordinary life. It doesn’t require deep knowledge, only intention and curiosity.
Traditionally, the Omer is counted each night after sunset. You begin with a blessing and then state the day:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al sefirat ha’omer.
Blessed are You, Source of all, who sanctifies us with mitzvot and commands us to count the Omer.
Examples:
Day 1: “Today is 1 day of the Omer.”
Day 10: “Today is 10 days, which is 1 week and 3 days of the Omer.”
If you forget at night, you may count during the day without the blessing and resume with a blessing the following evening. If you miss a full day (night and day), you continue counting without the blessing for the remainder of the Omer.
In Jewish mysticism, each of the seven weeks corresponds to a core emotional quality:
- Chesed (kindness)
- Gevurah (discipline)
- Tiferet (balance/compassion)
- Netzach (endurance)
- Hod (humility)
- Yesod (connection)
- Malchut (leadership/presence)
Each week invites us to explore these traits within ourselves.
The first week centers on Chesed, lovingkindness. In Judaism, chesed is more than occasional kindness, it is a consistent, active commitment to giving of oneself in ways that build and sustain relationships. It goes beyond obligation and is rooted in connection and responsibility.
The second week focuses on Gevurah, which balances chesed through strength, discipline, and healthy restraint. Gevurah teaches us to set boundaries, practice self-control, and make thoughtful, measured decisions. It ensures that our kindness is guided by intention and structure.
As of tonight, we are on the third day in the Omer, so I’ve included reflections for both the first and second weeks.
My hope is that you will use these 49 days as an opportunity for introspection. Jewish tradition offers both structure and inspiration, tools that can meaningfully shape our lives when we choose to engage with them. The counting of the Omer is accessible to anyone willing to pause, reflect, and grow.
Week 1: Chesed (Lovingkindness) — How we give
Day 1 – Boundless Love
Where can I give more freely today?
When have you felt someone was really kind to you?
Day 2 – Disciplined Kindness
Am I overgiving or neglecting myself?
Is it ever okay to say no to helping someone?
Day 3 – Compassionate Balance
Is my kindness thoughtful or reactive?
How do we know what someone really needs?
Day 4 – Enduring Kindness
Do I show up consistently for people?
What does it mean to be a reliable friend?
Day 5 – Humble Giving
Do I expect recognition when I give?
How does it feel to help without being noticed?
Day 6 – Connection in Kindness
Does my giving deepen relationships?
What makes someone feel truly cared for?
Day 7 – Dignified Love
Do I help in a way that preserves dignity?
How can we help others without embarrassing them?
Week 2: Gevurah (Boundaries & Strength) — How we hold back
Day 8 – Loving Restraint
Where do I need healthier limits?
Why are rules important?
Day 9 – Healthy Discipline
What habits need more structure?
What’s something hard you’re proud of doing?
Day 10 – Balanced Judgment
Am I too harsh or too lenient?
How do we decide what’s fair?
Day 11 – Consistent Boundaries
Do I follow through on my limits?
What happens when rules change all the time?
Day 12 – Humble Restraint
Can I admit when I’m wrong?
Why is it hard to say “I was wrong”?
Day 13 – Trustworthy Limits
Do people feel safe with my boundaries?
What makes someone trustworthy?
Day 14 – Empowered Discipline
How do my limits make me stronger?
How can rules help us grow?
*
May this week provide you the opportunity to explore the holy moments of daily life.
For those celebrating Easter, may your holiday be blessed with joy and love.
Moadim L’Simcha, wishing you a joyous Festival.
*
Betzy Lynch is CEO of the Lawrence Family JCC in La Jolla, California.