1. Question: [Monday, 7^th Iyar 5781]

I [a man] forgot to count Sefira one day and would like to know if I must be careful to still continue counting without a blessing, or if I don’t have to be so careful anymore to count. Likewise, although I know I can no longer recite a blessing may I still say the prayers of that come afterwards, such as the Harchaman, Ana Beckoach, Ribono Shel Olam. Also, if I forgot to count at night and I am counting during the day may I say these prayers?

Answer:

Yes, men remain absolutely obligated to continue counting Sefira each night even if they missed a day and therefore can no longer say it with a blessing. One may, and should, still recite all the prayers that follow the count just like any other person who counts with a blessing, as one is not related to the other. This applies also when counting during daytime.

Explanation: Although we rule the one who missed a day can no longer continue counting with a blessing this is because there is a debate regarding if one can still fulfill the mitzvah if he missed a day, and we always apply the rule of Safek Brachos Lihakel. On the other hand, one must also be stringent to take into account the opinion who says that one may and must continue to count with a blessing even if he missed a day, and thereby men remain obligated to count without a blessing in order to be stringent like both opinions. Regarding the prayers said after the counting, there is no reason to differentiate between one who is still counting with a blessing versus one who is counting without a blessing, and whether one is counting during the night or day, and either way it is proper to say these prayers as is always the case.

Sources: See Admur 489:3; Siddur Admur; Michaber 489:7; Tosafus Megillah 20b; Menachos 66a; Rosh Pesachim 10:41