Why We Mourn During the Omer: The Deeper Meaning Behind the Custom

During the Counting of the Omer (Sefirat HaOmer), many observe customs of mourning which were instituted because of the tragic death of 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva during these weeks. Originally however, the days of the Omer were intended to be a time of anticipation and spiritual preparation for receiving the Torah.

As with everything in Jewish tradition, nothing is considered random. The timing of their passing between Passover and Shavuot, holds deep meaning.

The Sages reveal that the students died in a plague “because they did not treat one another with proper respect” (Talmud, Yevamot 62b). Unity and mutual respect are prerequisites for receiving the Torah, and passing it on to future generations. At Mount Sinai, the people of Israel were described as standing “as one person with one heart,” meaning that they were fully united. Without that unity, the revelation at Sinai would not have been possible. This period is therefore an especially important time to strengthen interpersonal relationships—particularly in areas of mutual respect, kindness, and love for others—so that we can be truly ready to receive the Torah on Shavuot.

The students of Rabbi Akiva were righteous and spiritually elevated, and the way they failed to honor one another was extremely subtle by our standards. However, those entrusted with carrying the Torah forward are held to the highest standards of character refinement. From this we learn that Torah isn’t acquired through study and effort alone, but inner growth and emotional integrity are essential for the Torah to truly take root within us.

Before the giving of the Torah, the Torah describes the Israelites' arrival at Mount Sinai with an unusual grammatical choice: “And Israel encamped there opposite the mountain” (Exodus 19:2)—using the singular form encamped ("vayichan") instead of the plural. Rashi, the classic commentator, explains this as an expression of perfect unity “as one person with one heart”. That unity was not a coincidence, but the condition that made them worthy of receiving divine revelation. Had they not been united, the giving of the Torah would have been delayed.

We are all children of the same Creator. Just as a father is pained to see his children fighting—or worse, hating one another—so too do divisions among us cause pain to the Divine presence. How many of us live with tension toward neighbors? How many disputes end up in court or arbitration, filled with resentment and emotional baggage? How much arrogance or judgment exists toward someone simply because their religious observance or cultural background is different from ours? How many internal divisions exist within the Jewish people because of ideological disagreements?

Opposing wrong ideas or harmful actions is understandable, but to hate another person because of their views or background is hatred that cuts deep. Internal division and hatred among Jews cause pain not only on a human level, but spiritually, as well. We are family, and every parent longs to see their children united and caring for one another.

Peace is so beloved to G-d that the Sages say—even if, G-d forbid, the Jewish people were engaged in idol worship—if there is peace among them, divine judgment does not touch them. The Talmud (Derech Eretz Zuta) says: “Love peace and hate strife. Great is peace, for even when Israel worships idols, but peace reigns among them, the Holy One says, ‘I do not wish to harm them.’”

Likewise, the Mishnah teaches us that peace is the ultimate vessel for blessing: “The Holy One, Blessed be He, found no greater vessel to contain blessing for Israel than peace” (Uktzin 3:12). Peace is the spiritual condition necessary for abundance, success, and divine blessing to flow. When there is internal strife, hatred, or division, we lose that blessing.

The days between Passover and Shavuot are a unique opportunity to strengthen our relationships with others and to deepen our sense of shared identity, mutual respect, and love for one another. When we do, we become worthy of receiving the Torah, the blessings return, and we bring joy to our Creator.