Anyone who likes spiritual challenges will also love counting the Omer. Beginning 500 years ago, the kabbalists (Jewish mystics) transformed the Omer from a simple count up (note that Jews count up, not down) from Passover to Shavuot to a spiritual ascent so that we might be worthy to receive the Torah on Shavuot.
The kabbalists perceived God as having 10 attributes that get expressed in the world as we know it. These are called sefirot or "emanations" and the challenge for humans is to embody these sefirot in our own characters. In the Omer, the kabbalists created a matrix built on seven of these sefirot: kindness, strength (or discipline), beauty (or harmony), endurance, humility, bonding, and nobility.
The first week of the Omer, say, is devoted to kindness. The first day challenges you to think about the kindness you show. The second encourages thinking about how to bring discipline to your kindness. The third promotes thinking about how to seek harmony through your kindness, and so on.
Download a copy of the Omer Challenges booklet
In PJ Library's new guide to Jewish holidays from Passover to Shavuot, A Time to Gather, families will find a set of personal challenges, inspired by the kabbalistic approach to the Omer. In each section, readers of the guide will also find the story of a Jewish figure (we call them Omer heroes) who can inspire us with each challenge. To learn more about each hero, use the buttons below to find books, videos, podcasts and other resources.
Nachshon
Challenge 1: Be Brave
Nachshon, the son of Aminadav, appears numerous times in the Torah as Aaron's brother-in-law and a leader of the biblical tribe of Judah during the Israelites' post slavery wanderings in the desert. According to midrash, Nachshon was the first person brave enough to set foot in the path made as the Red Sea parted.
Read:
Rambam
Challenge 2: Feel Pride
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, known also as Maimonides or Rambam, lived from 1138 to 1204. He was one of the greatest scholars in all of Jewish history. It's said that from Moses (the biblical leader) to Moses (Maimonides), there was no one like Moses.
Watch:
The Life of Maimonides via Unpacked
Golda Meir
Challenge 3: Show Your Independence
Golda Meir, originally known as Goldie Mabovitch, was born in Ukraine, grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and immigrated to pre-state Israel in her early 20s. She held many high offices in the Israeli government and served as prime minister of Israel from 1969 to 1974.
Read:
Moses
Attribute Challenge 4: Try Again
After beginning life floating in a basket and growing up in Pharaoh's palace, the biblical Moses became the most important leader in Jewish history. He helped the Jewish people leave slavery in Egypt, brought them to Mount Sinai to receive God's laws, and prepared them over a span of 40 years to enter the land of Israel.
Watch:
Rabbi Akiva
Challenge 5: Be Curious
Rabbi Akiva was one of Judaism's greatest teachers. His ideas are recorded in the Mishnah, a book of rabbinic law and debate compiled in the 3rd century CE. And it's true: He didn't know how to read and write for the first half of his life!
Learn:
Who Was Rabbi Akiva and What Can His Story Teach Us?
Two Sisters
Challenge 6: Make Peace
There's a legend about two siblings who sneak into each other's homes in the middle of the night to make sure the other is cared for. It is because of the special act of generosity and caring between two siblings that the Holy Temple was built on this particular spot in Jerusalem.
Listen:
Ruth
Challenge 7: Take Responsibility
The biblical tale of Ruth starts in a sad way, with the death of Naomi's husband and sons (one of whom was married to Ruth). But it ends happily, with Ruth marrying Naomi's relative Boaz, starting a family, and becoming the great-grandmother of King David.
Watch:
More
DIY Omer Counters To Make With Your Family
Family Learning And Discussion: Lag B'Omer
Playlists for Kids About Lag B'Omer
April 9, 2026