Laser-cut Omer Counter

An old tradition with a new twist. The Omer is the period in the Jewish calendar between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot. It counts 49 days - seven weeks between the second night of Passover and the night before Shavuot begins.

It is 4 inches wide, and 3/8 in thick, held together with tightly fitting precision parts. Made of laser-cut hardboard, the burn marks give it a faint smell of smoke and spices and the look of an antique heirloom.

This year the design has been revised, with a new/old (traditional) Moorish pattern using an interlocking square motif. This is replicated in the dial on the front. The design is also entirely made of hardboard.

About the Moorish design on the back:

My reading of the history of Jewish Art has been significantly influenced by a book on Medieval Judaic Illuminated Manuscripts I read many years ago. What was most notable was how Judaic Art mirrored the local artistic traditions, taking on the tropes of Northern European Art on the one case, and Moorish designs in the other. Jews have always looked to the traditions and cultures in which they have dwelt. As an artist, a Jewish artist, I feel I have a birthright to all of the artistic cultures in which Judaism has found a home.

On Counting:

This year we've been counting everything. The numbers are inescapable and overwhelming. Counting the Omer this year is a reminder that this too shall pass, even if just one day at a time. In counting we mark the distance we've traveled, each day not merely a repetition, but also a progression, something we can look forward to.