What is the connection between the Omer count and real estate transactions?
Between April 2, 2026 and May 20, 2026 takes place the Omer period – a period of religious significance during which part of the public observes mourning customs.
So, why is this relevant for real estate transactions?
There is no legal or even religious prohibition against signing a contract during this period.
But in practice, some people prefer to avoid signing, especially when it involves an important transaction like purchasing real estate.
Why?
Because for them, signing a contract represents a moment of joy, a new beginning, and sometimes even an event they wish to mark in a festive manner.
And concretely, what happens?
Approach Description Desired signing date
Normal signing No problem signing during the entire Omer period From April 2, 2026 to May 20, 2026 (inclusive)
Total postponement Avoid signing during the entire period After May 20, 2026
Observance until Lag BaOmer Avoid signing only until Lag BaOmer After May 18, 2026
• Some sign normally without any problem.
• Some prefer to postpone.
• Others observe only until Lag BaOmer.
What to do when there are time constraints?
In real estate transactions, it is not always possible to postpone. It is therefore important to prepare in advance, identify the parties' sensitivities and act accordingly - for example, advance the signing before the Omer count period.
In a real estate transaction, unexpected elements can always arise - hence the importance of finalizing the signing on time, before delays or unnecessary risks are created.
Especially in Israel, where it is not customary to sign a "zikhron devarim": promissory agreement
Only the signing of a binding contract binds the parties and provides real legal security to the transaction. Until then, the transaction remains uncertain.
The interest is therefore clear: manage the transaction intelligently, sensitively and precisely and achieve signing at the right time.
Our legal support services
We offer complete and personalized support at all stages of your real estate transaction:
• Support during property purchase legal verifications, payment management, possession transfer
• Support during property sale contract drafting, verifications, support until registration in the land registry (Tabou)
• Notarial services - signature authentication, powers of attorney, translations and apostille
• Real estate tax advice - acquisition tax, capital gains tax (Mas Shevach), VAT
• Land registry registration (Tabou) - document filing and case follow-up
Our firm offers personalized, responsive and professional service in Hebrew, French and English, with 13 years of experience and more than 1,000 successfully completed transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1/ Is it prohibited, from a legal standpoint, to sign a real estate contract during the Omer count?
No, there is no legal or religious prohibition.
It is a personal preference of part of the religious public.
2/ When does the Omer period begin and end in 2026?
The period begins on April 2, 2026 and ends on May 20, 2026.
3/ What is Lag BaOmer and why do some people only observe restrictions until this date?
Lag BaOmer is the 33rd day of the Omer count (in 2026: May 18), a date when certain mourning customs are lifted. This is why some people avoid signing only until this day.
4/What happens if the seller or buyer requests to postpone the signing because of the Omer count?
It is recommended to respect this request and set another date - before the period or after it. An experienced attorney will help manage the parties' expectations and coordinate deadlines.
5/ Is handing over keys to a property allowed during the Omer period?
Yes, nothing prevents it. However, some people may prefer to set the possession transfer for another date, due to personal sensitivity and according to the customs they follow.
6/How to plan a real estate transaction to avoid it being delayed due to the Omer count?
It is advisable to start the process early enough, perform legal verifications in advance and, if such is the sellers' or buyers' preference, set a signing date before the beginning of the Omer period or after its end.
7/ Can legal verifications and preparatory meetings be conducted during the Omer period?
Absolutely. Nothing prevents conducting verifications, coordination meetings, document preparation and planning - only the "festive" signing may be postponed by some people, according to their beliefs.
8/ How can an attorney help coordinate deadlines?
An experienced attorney will help manage the schedule, explain cultural and legal implications, and coordinate with all parties a suitable and respectful date for everyone.
