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Obscure Halacha

Counting on the Halacha

Many times, people — and especially high schoolers — procrastinate and force themselves to work on extra tasks at night. They can get very overwhelmed while battling their growing exhaustion and their need to accomplish their assignments. Therefore, it is no surprise that many people can forget a responsibility or two, particularly when those responsibilities are only practiced at certain times in the year, or may seem insignificant. For many, counting the Omer is one of those seemingly unimportant responsibilities, especially since half the population (women) are not obligated in this positive, time-bound commandment. But what happens when someone forgets to perform this task? Let’s take a look at the Halachot to help us find our way…

Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 489:1

בליל שני אחר תפל’ ערבית מתחילין לספור העומר ואם שכח לספור בתחל’ הלילה הולך וסופר כל הלילה…

On the second night after the evening prayer, we begin to count the Omer. And if someone forgot to count, [they may count] from the beginning of the evening onwards. He may count all night…

According to the first source, we are supposed to count the Omer right after the evening prayer, also known as Maariv or Arvit; however, we are still able to count with a bracha even if we didn’t count at the correct time for the rest of the night. But is the Halacha still this accommodating when someone forgets to count for the whole night? 

Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 489:7

שכח ולא בירך כל הלילה יספור ביום בלא ברכה…

If he forgot [to count] and did not do the blessing all night, he should count during the day without a blessing…

This second source seems to point to this being the case. Even when someone forgets to count for the whole night, they can still partake in the commandment by counting without a bracha in the day time. 

 Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 489:8

אם שכח לברך באחד מהימים בין יום ראשון בין משאר ימים סופר בשאר ימים בלא ברכה…

If he forgot to bless on one of the days, between the first day [of the omer] and the rest of the days, he should count the rest of the days without a blessing…

Furthermore, if a person forgot to count for a whole day, they are still allowed to count the rest of the days without a bracha. 

Overall, the Halacha doesn’t seem to aim to penalize those who forget to count the Omer. In fact, these Halachot encourage everyone to participate in the mitzvah by giving many opportunities for people to do so. The Halachot want us to feel included, and to be able to participate in customs and traditions even when we have made mistakes. So, if you’re scared of making a mistake, have no fear; You can always count on Halacha. 

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