Interesting Questions About Sefirah

Q. I know we change our buying habits during the omer. I am now down on socks. I have five pairs of winter socks, but I would like to have spring socks, which means buying new ones. Am I allowed to buy during the omer? I didn't plan regarding socks.

A. According to the halachic consensus, based on Mishnah Brurah and other authorities, one is permitted to purchase new clothes during Sefirah. The reason many people think that we can't is because they're confusing Sefirah with the Three Weeks. (The two periods have some things in common, like abstaining from listening to music.)

There is a halachic opinion that one should not do things during Sefirah that would require reciting a shehechiyanu, such as buying a new suit. Aside from the fact that this minority position does not reflect the common practice, one would still be able to purchase minor garments like socks and underwear.

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Q. I accidentally counted the omer in a dream, and it was the same day as the day we were actually on. Can I say it with a bracha later?

A. Thanks for your question. If you recited the omer in a dream, then you didn't actually say it; you only dreamed you said it. It's no different than, say, if you dreamed you lit Chanukah candles. Even if you had such a dream on Chanukah, it wouldn't fulfill your obligation. Similarly, for good or for bad, I think you should consider this a non-action.

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