omer
/ˈoʊmər/
noun
- A unit of dry volume used in ancient Israel, equal to about 2.3 liters (roughly 2 quarts), often mentioned in the Bible for measuring grain.
- In the Bible, the Israelites collected an omer of manna per person each day.
- An omer of barley was offered during the harvest festival.
- The ancient measurement of an omer is roughly equivalent to two quarts.
- A period of 49 days counted between the Jewish holidays of Passover and Shavuot, known as the Counting of the Omer.
- We count the Omer each evening from the second night of Passover.
- The 33rd day of the Omer, called Lag BaOmer, is a day of celebration.
- During the Omer, many Jewish people observe a period of semi-mourning.