Counting the Omer (the word Omer means “a measure”) is a biblical requirement (Lev. 23: 15-21) that culminates in a pilgrimage to the Temple bringing an offering of new grain. We count the Omer beginning on the second evening of Passover and ending at Shavuot. During Passover we celebrate the freedom of the Israelite slaves from Egypt and the joy of liberation. On Shavuot we celebrate the Jewish people’s acceptance of Torah from God with its attendant responsibilities.
This year everyone in the congregation is invited to play BINGOmer. The BINGOmer workbook includes a description of BINGOmer, the bingo-like card and the activities to be completed during the Omer period. The BINGOmer card has 49 squares representing the length of the Omer period. Each square features an activity to be done between Passover and Shavuot. The activities reflect three essential themes of Judaism: Worship, Learn, and Act. Specifically, the performance of each activity is also the performance of a mitzvah. The workbook includes explanations of each activity as well as identification of the theme and the specific mitzvah related to the activity.
The goal is to perform as many activities, spanning the three themes (ideally), as possible and to mark the squares on the card. Once the Omer period concludes, we can see how many activities were completed and how many bingos (7 squares horizontally, vertically, diagonally) resulted. The game’s purpose is not only to complete activities; it is also to teach us how many activities reflect mitzvot–our link to our ancestors who received Torah at Sinai. There are plans for a celebration following the Omer period.
BINGOmer workbooks are available on the table outside the Sanctuary or you can download and print at home by clicking here.
