#17.5 Lag B’Omer

What Is Lag Ba’omer?

This minor holiday — known for bonfires, weddings and haircuts — takes place about a month after Passover.

Lag BaOmer (Hebrew: לַ״ג בָּעוֹמֶר‎, LaG Bāʿōmer), also Lag B’Omer is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, which occurs on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar.

An ancient Jewish tradition, known as “Counting the Omer” or Sefirat HaOmer, is a number-rich opportunity with lots of extra benefits.

Originally, Counting the Omer was tied to the grain harvest in ancient Israel. The counting began on the second day of Passover, near the start of the barley harvest, and ended on Shavuot, approaching the conclusion of the wheat harvest. The Israelites brought grain offerings to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the beginning and end of the counting.

Although the Holy Temple is no longer standing and most of us are not grain farmers, Jews still traditionally count the Omer aloud each day. It’s a way of connecting to the Jewish calendar and building excitement for the upcoming festival of Shavuot, which celebrates receiving the gift of Torah at Mt Sinai.

#1 Watch: Counting the Omer

#2 Customs: What do we do on Lag B’Omer

A number of traditions and customs have developed around the holiday of Lag B’Omer. In Israel and beyond, for example, many families light bonfires to brighten up cities and countryside alike. In addition, many Jewish couples schedule weddings and parties on Lag B’Omer.

Here are a few ways people celebrate Lag B’omer together with their families.

Build a Campfire – Lag B’Omer falls in mid-to- late spring, making it a great time to break out the camping gear — or at least light a fire in a fire pit. Don’t forget to make some delicious s’mores!

Pull Out the Bows & Arrows – Israeli children typically play with bows and (suction-cup-tipped) arrows on Lag Ba’Omer, imitating students of Rabbis Akiva and Shimon who fooled the Romans by pretending they were hunting. Relay races are another fun holiday activity.

Put on a Parade – Some communities stage parades for Lag B’Omer. Your family can organize a parade of its own. March around the block or just around the house and yard.

Get a Haircut – Yes, a haircut! The Counting of the Omer is treated as a semi-mourning period, and observant Jews refrain from haircutting during such a time. Because Lag B’Omer suspends that restriction, it is a traditional time for young children to get their first haircuts.

What other customs do you think should happen on Lag B’Omer?

#3 Watch: Celebrating Lag B’Omer in Israel with Jamie Geller

#4 WATCH: Sing a long with Chesney and Friends!

# 5 REVIEW AND RESPONSE

  1. When do we celebrate the holiday of Lag B’Omer?
  2. What are three different customs that take place on Lag B’Omer?
  3. What is the counting of the Omer?
  4. Are there ways that you can celebrate Lag B’omer in your homes?

Need some help? We’re here for you. At any time, if you have any questions, please contact one of our teachers so we can help you. Also, at the end of the session, remember to review your responses in your Tamid Workbook so you can get credit for this lesson. Behatzlacha (Hebrew for good luck)! You can reach Sarah at (646)360-0689 or connect@tamidnyc.org