You shall count for yourselves — from the day after the Sabbath, from the day when you bring the Omer of the waving — seven Sabbath, they shall be complete. Until the day after the seventh Sabbath, you shall count, fifty days… Leviticus 23:15-16.
God instructed the Israelites to count the days from Passover to the Feast of Pentecost in anticipation of Pentecost (See Leviticus 23:16). This 50-day period is known as the Counting of the Omer. Counting the Omer reminds us of the link between Passover and Pentecost, which celebrates the giving of the Law in the Old Testament and the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.
I. Counting the Omer
- Using the Omer calendar, mark off each day by drawing an “X” or using a sticker.
- After marking off the day, pray the following blessing, “Blessed are You, Lord our God, who created all things. We joyfully anticipate the celebration of Your Holy Spirit who leads and guides our lives with love and power.”
- Pray this blessing every day until the 50th day.
- Remember to count the omer beginning at Sundown, April 7th.
- Encourage your children to help you mark off each day and say the blessing.