Why No Shehechiyanu on Sefiras HaOmer?

Q. Why do we not recite the bracha of Shehechiyanu on the mitzvah of Sefiras Ha’Omer?

A. The Ba’al HaMa’or (Pesachim 28a) explains that today we perform the mitzvah of Sefiras Ha’Omer as a zecher l’mikdash (remembrance for the Beis Hamikdash). It reminds us of the destruction of the Temple and our inability to offer the Korban Ha’Omer. It is therefore inappropriate to recite Shehechiyanu which is an expression of joy.

Rambam, however, assumes that the mitzvah of Sefiras Ha’omer is still a Torah obligation and not merely a zecher l’mikdash. Rav Soloveitchik, zt”l explained the lack of shehechiyanu according to the Rambam based on the reason for the mitzvah of Sefiras Ha’Omer given by the Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim (3:43) as well as the Sefer Hachinuch (mitzvah 306). The Rambam and Sefer Hachinuch write that Sefiras Ha’Omer expresses our sense of longing and anticipation for the ultimate goal of accepting the Torah at Sinai. Sefiras Ha’Omer therefore indicates that we have not yet reached our goal. This is antithetical to the nature of Shehechiyanu, which is recited to express gratitude for having reached a particular goal. [Adapted from The Seder Night: An Exalted Evening]

In a few week’s time we will celebrate the culmination of our counting on Shavuos, when we will recite Shehechiyanu, having achieved the ultimate goal of Matan Torah.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.