Counting the Omer After Maariv

Question: If I daven maariv some time after nacht, should I wait to count the omer or count as soon as it is nacht?

Answer: According to the Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 489:3), while one can count the omer any time during the night, lechatchila, one should count as soon as it is nacht. Therefore, the Mishna Berura (489:2) writes that it is customary to count the omer before saying aleinu to fulfil the mitzva as early as possible.

The Magen Avraham (489:7) and Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 489:16) permit counting the omer before maariv, even on Motzaei Shabbos when extending Shabbos. However, it is recommended to daven maariv first, following the principle of 'tadir ve’sheino tadir, tadir kodem', (giving precedence to the more frequent mitzva). Since sefiras haomer occurs less frequently than kerias shema, one should prioritise reciting the shema first.

The Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 489:1) provides two reasons as to why counting the omer used to be delayed. The Chok Yaakov (489:16) argues based on tadir, while R’ Yaakov Emden (Mor Uketzia 489) explains it in terms of historical practice where maariv was generally recited before nacht.

R’ Menashe Klein (Mishne Halachos 8:193) adds that according to the consensus of poskim, counting the omer nowadays is miderabanan, while reciting the shema is mideoraisa. Furthermore, since shema is recited within maariv with berachos before and after, one should prioritise davening maariv first. Only one davening maariv later should count the omer first (see Shevet Halevi 6:53:3).

R’ Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss (Minchas Yitzchak 9:56:2) writes that while the rule of tadir may not apply to one waiting to daven, both the Shelah and R’ Yaakov Emden write that it is ideal to count with a minyan, so it is best to wait to count. On the other hand, R’ Shmuel Wosner (Shevet Halevi 6:53:3) argues that while it may actually be best to count at nacht, people who count together in shul are more likely to remember to count.

In conclusion, for optimal fulfilment of the mitzva, one should wait to count the omer in shul at the conclusion of maariv, especially when davening after nacht.

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