Wait Until Nacht to Count the Omer

Question: When is the best time to count the omer if I am not davening maariv with a minyan at nacht?

Answer: The Beis Yosef (OC 489:1) highlights a machlokes regarding whether one may count the omer during bein hashemashos (the time between shekia, sunset, and nacht, nightfall). The Rosh, (Pesachim 10:40), Tur (OC 489:1) and Tosafos (Menachos 66a) argue that since counting the omer is miderabanan nowadays, it is permissible to count from shekia. On the other hand, Rambam (Temidin Umusafin 7:22) and the Ran (Pesachim 28a) assert that one should wait until nacht. Following this reasoning, the Mishna Berura (489:14) states that, ideally, one should wait until nacht to count (see Aruch Hashulchan OC 489:7).

Other poskim, including the Bach (OC 489:1), Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 489:12) and R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Daas 1:23) write that it is acceptable to count after shekia.

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 489:1) advises that the omer should be counted after maariv. The Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 489:1) quotes R’ Yaakov Emden (Mor Uketzia 489) who explains that this is because maariv is often davened before nacht. Therefore, if one davens maariv later in the evening, they should count the omer beforehand (see Shevet Halevi 6:53:3).

However, R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:99:1) writes that we follow R’ Yaakov Reischer (Chok Yaakov 489:16) who elucidates that we adhere to the rule of tadir kodem (giving precedence to the more common mitzva). The only reason we count the omer before reciting kiddush and havdala is that these must be performed at home, whereas it is preferable to count the omer together with others in the shul.

In conclusion, one should ideally daven maariv at nacht, followed by counting the omer. If one finds it difficult to stay up until nacht, one may count the omer with a beracha after shekia.