Counting the Omer

In recent years, “Counting the Omer” has been re-imagined as an invitation to Mindfulness practice: paying attention not only to each day as it passes but also to the individual spiritual qualities that were assigned to it by the 16th century Jewish mystics.

Rabbi Yael Levy of A Way In Jewish Mindfulness Organization introduces the ancient ritual of Counting the Omer and explains how it becomes a mindfulness practice.

PASSOVER’S CALL to leave mitzrayim, the narrow place, is a call to leave the habits of mind and body that narrow our vision and distort our ability to act with love and generosity.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING is to count. Just a few moments of stopping and bringing your attention to each day is rich spiritual practice.

• Find a place to stand where you won’t be disturbed for a few moments.

• Take a soft, deep breath and begin with the introductory prayer.

Each of the seven weeks and each of the 49 days has its own spiritual quality. At the beginning of each week, there are intentions and suggestions for practices to help focus your attention.

There is a teaching for each day, highlighting that day’s unique combination of qualities along with a teaching and a prayer.

Why count? 

Why stand up each night as three stars appear in the sky and for 49 days in a row count the day that is to come? 

What is the purpose, the meaning?

In 2017, Rabbi Yael Levy joined the "Chai Haven show" on New Haven Independent Radio to speak about the 49-day ritual.