Omer: A Practice You Can Count On

The story is told about a rabbi who took prayer very seriously. This rabbi wanted to be connected with the world while praying, and thus made a habit of doing so at an open window while looking at the fields beyond the house. One spring day, when the light was just so, the rabbi was struck with the power and beauty of the natural world. It was such a profound experience, that the Rabbi got lost in the power of nature and was not able to vocalize the morning prayer. Or the afternoon prayer. So overwhelmed and humbled by the sight, the rabbi had to wait until it was dark to do anything else.

Being impacted like this by nature can happen easily to those who spend time connecting with the natural world. Similarly, being overwhelmed by aspects of our own lives and minds is a daily struggle for many of us. Jewish tradition can offer some guidance. It is as simple as counting, one number at a time, from 1 to 50.

Counting the 50 days of the Omer is a way of marking the time between Passover and Shavuot. Between the act of leaving slavery and the purpose of the freedom, receiving Torah. The counting marks the journey, and by doing so, allows us not to become overwhelmed by the vast emptiness of the desert, or by the immense tasks ahead.

The simple act of counting can allow us to manage the things that overwhelm us, both positive and negative. Meditation, for example, uses similar techniques. Counting breaths as a way to focus and clear the mind is a well used technique. I especially appreciate the guidance of one of my teachers, Sharon Salzberg.

The Jewish implementation of marking the Omer is used to count, and stay accountable, for personal change and growth. It has become a time of introspection and goal setting, using the Kabbalistic qualities as guides. There are several excellent online resources,  apps, and books, especially another of my teachers (and classmate), Rabbi Jill Hammer’s book: Omer Calendar of Biblical Woman.

Such resources could have assisted the rabbi praying at the window to manage the overpowering impact of nature. It can also guide us, when feeling stuck or overwhelmed, to move ahead one step at a time.