In commanding us concerning Sefirat Haomer the Torah writes, "You shall count for yourselves from the day after the rest day [rest day = the first day of Passover], from the day when you bring the Omer of the waving, seven weeks they shall be complete. You shall count until the day after the seventh week - fifty days." (VaYikra 23:15-16) The Sefer HaChinuch states that "The entire basis of the Jewish people's existence is only for Torah. And all of existence was created for Torah. This was the...(more)

In commanding us concerning Sefirat Haomer the Torah writes, "You shall count for yourselves from the day after the rest day [rest day = the first day of Passover], from the day when you bring the Omer of the waving, seven weeks they shall be complete. You shall count until the day after the seventh week - fifty days." (VaYikra 23:15-16) The Sefer HaChinuch states that "The entire basis of the Jewish people's existence is only for Torah. And all of existence was created for Torah. This was the reason for the redemption and exodus from Egypt - so that we would receive the Torah at Sinai. Therefore we were commanded to count from Passover until Shavuot to display our excitement and anticipation towards the Day of the Giving of the Torah. We long for that day like a slave longs and counts the days until he will be free."
We learn from the Sefer HaChinuch that the 49 days counted between Passover and Shavuot (Sefirat HaOmer) were designed for a passionate expression of our dedication to Torah. Adapted from www.aish.com The Torah video classes below on Sefirat HaOmer are taught by a variety of Naaleh teachers: Mrs. Shira Smiles, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller, Rabbi Avishai David, Rabbi Shimon Isaacson and Rabbi Hanoch Teller. (less)