DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 266 KB)
Sefirat Ha'omer – Reciting the Beracha Only After Determining Which Number to Count

Halacha requires that when a person recites the Beracha before counting the Omer, he should already know in his mind which number he must count that night. It is improper to recite the Beracha and then wait to hear the counting by the Hazan or somebody else in order to determine that night's counting. Whenever one recites a Beracha before performing a Misva, he must perform the Misva immediately after concluding the recitation of the Beracha, without making even a silent pause in between. One must therefore determine in his mind the number of that night's counting before he recites the Beracha, so that he can count immediately after reciting the Beracha without any pause. This is the ruling of a number of Halachic authorities, including the Haye Adam (Rabbi Avraham Danzig of Vilna, 1748-1820) and Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1813).

Nevertheless, if a person did not know which number to count before he recited the Beracha, he has fulfilled his obligation; his counting is valid and he may continue counting with a Beracha on the subsequent nights.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
The Beracha When Eating Fish on a Cracker
The Obligation to Eat Bread on Shabbat, and the Guidelines for One Who Forgot to Add “Reseh” in Birkat Hamazon on Shabbat
Mentioning the Altar in the Beracha “Me’en Shalosh”
The Procedure for Netilat Yadayim; If One Forgot to Recite the Beracha Before Drying His Hands
Does One Recite a Beracha When Walking Near a Cemetery?
Which Beracha Does One Recite Before Smelling a Lemon?
Does One Recite a Beracha Over Music?
Does One Recite a Beracha When Smelling Synthetic Perfume?
Ensuring Proper Attire for the Recitation of Birkat Ha’mazon
Must a Guest Recite the Prayer for the Host if He Pays for His Meal?
When Must One Wash Mayim Aharonim, and How Much of the Hand Must be Washed?
Must One Wash His Hands Before Eating Cereal in Milk, or Cake Dipped in Coffee?
Why Does One Recite "She'hakol" Over Beer, Coffee and Tea?
Determining the Minimum Amount of Food Requiring a Beracha Aharona
Must One Repeat the Beracha Recited Over a Food or Beverage if He Changes Locations?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found