This point in the year between Pesach and Shavuot, Sfirat Ha'Omer, is an interesting time of transition as we count the days and weeks which pass from one festival to the other. In days of old, these days would indicate the passing of time from the first harvest of barley on Passover – seeds that were used mainly for animal fodder and basic food for the poor population – till the wheat harvest on Shavuot which constituted the main source of the refined, preferred food source. This was how they counted these days laden with barley harvests, vigorous toil, concern and hopes for the success of the wheat yield. The fickle spring always evoked great anxiety towards extreme weather, plant diseases or pests that inflict damage to the yield just before harvesting begins. Counting the days provided the farmers a soothing, tangible sense that the harvest is just around the corner and this year's crop will be safely harvested. And then suddenly spring turns to summer.

This point in the year between Pesach and Shavuot, Sfirat Ha'Omer, is an interesting time of transition as we count the days and weeks which pass from one festival to the other. In days of old, these days would indicate the passing of time from the first harvest of barley on Passover – seeds that were used mainly for animal fodder and basic food for the poor population – till the wheat harvest on Shavuot which constituted the main source of the refined, preferred food source. This was how they counted these days laden with barley harvests, vigorous toil, concern and hopes for the success of the wheat yield. The fickle spring always evoked great anxiety towards extreme weather, plant diseases or pests that inflict damage to the yield just before harvesting begins. Counting the days provided the farmers a soothing, tangible sense that the harvest is just around the corner and this year's crop will be safely harvested. And then suddenly spring turns to summer.