Scripture commands us to count 50 days from First Fruits to Shavuot (Pentecost). We have found this to be one of our favorite times of the year!

Start with Scripture

Be sure you have first done the Feast of First Fruits Scripture Study.

We recommend continuing your study with each of the following Scripture passages:

• Leviticus 23:9-16
  • According to verse 11, on what day is the sheaf of grain to be waved before YHWH?
  • According to verse 15, how many weeks are to be counted off? When is the count to start?
  • According to verse 16, how many days are to be counted off? On what day does the count end?

Studies by Other Authors:

• What is an “omer”? (wikipedia)

Studies by Other Authors:

• Jesus’ Resurrection in First Fruits (Robin Sampson)
• Counting the Omer (Christine Miller)
• How to Count the Omer (Schalk and Elsa Klee) – Explains the use of the word “omer” and “sheaf,” which is great for school children to learn.
• Sefirat HaOmer (Hebrew4Christians)
• Counting the Omer (Anne Elliott)

How to Celebrate

The only command in Scripture is to count the days between the Feast of First Fruits and the Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost). In traditional Judaism, a blessing and official count is said each evening at sunset. In our home, we usually wait to officially count until morning, when we start our school day and have our Torah time together. There are many ways to enjoy counting, but remember that none of these are required! (However, with children, it’s just fun…)

• Our first year, we placed stickers on a chart, counting up to 50.
• One year, we pasted little pieces of barley onto a chart, counting up to 50.
• Mom would forget to count, so when we heard of the idea to add candy to our count, we found a great way to ensure that no child would ever let us forget again. 🙂 Since we have seven children, we let each person have a piece of special candy one day each week. (We choose especially yummy candy, so it’s a real treat…) Over the 49 days, each child gets a turn 7 times. On the 50th day, we give nice gifts to each other, to help make Shavuot a special day. What other children get presents in early summer (wink, wink)? The Torah is so fun for children!
• Three years ago, we started following a short Scripture reading schedule each day of counting the omer. You can download it here. We found that if we had started to slack on our daily Torah time (which tends to happen this time of the homeschooling year), these short readings (combined with candy reminders) helped us get back in a good habit again.

Download the daily Scripture-reading schedule here:

Here are some various charts you might enjoy making:

• Download this printable sticker chart by HomeschoolingTorah
• Visit Torah Sisters for a chart, as well as wall cards

Please Add Your Ideas!

We would love it if you would also add your ideas, tips, resources, and links in the comments below. Thank you!