Dear Rabbi Simon,
I wanted to check a matter regarding counting the Omer. Earlier today I was asked “what day of the ‘Omer is it?”. I already counted last night, but the person who asked me had not yet counted. I told him the correct day, but then someone else said I should not have done so–rather I should have said, “yesterday was…” I understand that it is better not to respond to such a question with the actual day to count. Was I wrong to have responded as I did, and did I affect his ability to fulfil the mitzvah properly herself, and to count with a berakhah?
I would appreciate your advice.
Tomer
Dear Tomer
You are certainly allowed to answer the question by indicating the correct day of the ‘Omer. No need to say “yesterday was…” unless it is after sunset and you yourself have not yet counted the ‘Omer for the purpose of the mitzvah. In any case, merely responding in a straightforward way to the question, “which day of the ‘Omer is it?” will not deprive the listener (questioner) of the opportunity to fulfil the mitzvah himself.
Best wishes, and keep counting!
Rabbi Rashi Simon