Omer

/ˈoʊ.mər/ noun

Definition

A Hebrew unit of dry measure used in ancient times; also, a period of 49 days in the Jewish calendar between Passover and Shavuot.

Etymology

From Hebrew 'omer' (sheaf or heap). The term comes from ancient agricultural practices and appears in the Hebrew Bible. In Jewish tradition, the 'counting of the Omer' commemorates the spring harvest season.

Kelly Says

The Omer counting is one of the oldest continuous calendrical practices still observed—it directly connects modern Jewish practice to ancient Middle Eastern grain harvests over 3,000 years old!

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