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How is Lag BaOmer Celebrated?
During the solemn Omer season, Lag B'Omer is a day that is notable for its joy, fire, music, and customs. Bringing the Night to LifeThe bonfire is the most iconic feature of Lag B'Omer. People congregate at night to light big fires in Jewish communities all over Israel and the world. These flames arRead more
During the solemn Omer season, Lag B’Omer is a day that is notable for its joy, fire, music, and customs.
Bringing the Night to Life
The bonfire is the most iconic feature of Lag B’Omer. People congregate at night to light big fires in Jewish communities all over Israel and the world. These flames are said to represent the spiritual light brought into the world by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a great Jewish mystic whose death is commemorated on this day.
Mount Meron Pilgrimage
In northern Israel, Mount Meron becomes the center of attention. It’s the burial place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, and each year, tens of thousands of people make a pilgrimage there. The atmosphere is electric—featuring live music, dancing, and prayers lasting all night.
Playing with Bows and Arrows
Children often take part in archery games using toy bows and arrows. The tradition ties back to a midrashic idea that no rainbows appeared during Rabbi Shimon’s lifetime, since he himself was a symbol of peace. Since the Hebrew word keshet means both “bow” and “rainbow,” the practice blends symbolism and play.
The First Tradition of Haircuts
Lag B’Omer is sometimes associated with a young boy’s first upsherin, or haircut. This rite of passage is typically celebrated with blessings and sweets by friends and family at the age of three.
Outdoor Recreation and Group Picnics
See lessLag B’Omer is often spent outside. Particularly in Israel, communities and schools plan parades, hikes, and picnics. In parks, you frequently see people grilling food and kids having fun in the springtime sun.
What Is Lag BaOmer for Kids?
Lag BaOmer for KidsFor kids in particular, Lag BaOmer is a joyful and significant day in the Jewish calendar. It takes place during the period between Shavuot and Passover, on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer. Why It's UniqueThis day honors the life of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a wise teacherRead more
Lag BaOmer for Kids
For kids in particular, Lag BaOmer is a joyful and significant day in the Jewish calendar. It takes place during the period between Shavuot and Passover, on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer.
Why It’s Unique
This day honors the life of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a wise teacher who imparted unique Jewish teachings, as well as the end of a horrible plague that once plagued Rabbi Akiva’s students.
Bonfires and Joy
Kids often celebrate by gathering around big bonfires at night. The flames are said to represent the light of learning and hope. People sing songs, dance, and roast marshmallows or other treats.
Bows and Arrows
Another fun tradition is playing with toy bows and arrows. This reminds us of a time when people didn’t need rainbows (which are also called keshet in Hebrew) because the world was full of peace.
First Haircuts
See lessIn some Jewish families, especially more religious ones, little boys who are three years old get their first haircut on Lag BaOmer. It’s a big event called upsherin, with music, candy, and celebration.
What Is Lag BaOmer 2026?
Lag BaOmer in 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 5. What Is Lag BaOmer?Lag BaOmer is a Jewish holiday observed on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, a period between Passover and Shavuot. The name "Lag" is made up of the Hebrew letters lamed (30) and gimel (3), which together represent tRead more
What Does Lag BaOmer Commemorate?
Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, is a day of joy and spiritual meaning in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a break in mourning during the seven-week period between Passover and Shavuot, and marks several important historical and mystical events. The End of a PlagueAccordingRead more
Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, is a day of joy and spiritual meaning in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a break in mourning during the seven-week period between Passover and Shavuot, and marks several important historical and mystical events.
The End of a Plague
According to tradition, a deadly plague that struck Rabbi Akiva’s students came to a sudden end on this day. Rabbi Akiva was a great Jewish sage of the 2nd century CE, and the loss of his thousands of disciples was a tragedy mourned throughout the Omer period. Lag BaOmer stands out as a day when that sorrow briefly lifts.
The Legacy of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
Lag BaOmer is also associated with the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered mystic and student of Rabbi Akiva. Jewish mystics believe that on this day, Rabbi Shimon revealed deep, hidden teachings of the Torah before passing away. His life and teachings are honored with bonfires, symbolizing the spiritual light he brought into the world.
A Day of Celebration
See lessWith the lifting of mourning customs, many use Lag BaOmer as a time for weddings, haircuts, music, and outdoor festivities. Bonfires, bows and arrows, and pilgrimages to Rabbi Shimon’s tomb in Meron, Israel, all mark the unique mix of joy, memory, and tradition that Lag BaOmer represents.
Who Celebrates Lag BaOmer?
Lag B´Omer is celebrated by Jews of various backgrounds, though the way it’s observed can differ widely depending on community, tradition, and geography. In IsraelLag B´Omer is a widely celebrated event across the country. Religious and secular Israelis alike light bonfires, enjoy outdoor activitiesRead more
Lag B´Omer is celebrated by Jews of various backgrounds, though the way it’s observed can differ widely depending on community, tradition, and geography.
In Israel
Lag B´Omer is a widely celebrated event across the country. Religious and secular Israelis alike light bonfires, enjoy outdoor activities, and many take part in hikes or barbecues. One of the biggest gatherings happens at Mount Meron, where tens of thousands visit the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
Orthodox and Hasidic Jews
For many Orthodox and Hasidic Jews, Lag B´Omer is a spiritually rich holiday. They honor the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai with prayers, singing, and dancing. Boys aged three often receive their first haircut in a ceremony called upsherin, and Torah study is encouraged.
Jewish Schools and Communities Worldwide
Outside of Israel, Jewish schools and community centers often organize field trips, bonfire events, and archery games for children. The holiday is seen as a break from the mourning customs observed during the Omer period.
Kabbalists and Mystical Traditions
Lag B´Omer holds special meaning for those who study Jewish mysticism. The day is associated with spiritual insight and inner light, inspired by the teachings of the Zohar and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
Not Typically Celebrated by Secular or Non-Jewish Groups
See lessLag B´Omer is not a public holiday in most countries and is not observed by non-Jews, though it may be recognized in multicultural settings or by those studying Jewish culture or religion.
Who Died on Lag BaOmer?
Lag B´Omer is traditionally believed to be the death anniversary (yahrzeit) of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered 2nd-century Jewish sage and mystic. Rabbi Shimon bar YochaiAlso known as Rashbi, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was a disciple of Rabbi Akiva and is associated with the authorship of the Zohar,Read more
Lag B´Omer is traditionally believed to be the death anniversary (yahrzeit) of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered 2nd-century Jewish sage and mystic.
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
Also known as Rashbi, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was a disciple of Rabbi Akiva and is associated with the authorship of the Zohar, the foundational text of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah). According to tradition, he revealed deep spiritual insights to his students on the day of his death, which is why the day is marked not with mourning but with celebration.
Bonfires in His Honor
The lighting of bonfires on Lag B´Omer symbolizes the spiritual light and wisdom that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai brought into the world. In Israel, tens of thousands of people gather at his tomb on Mount Meron for singing, dancing, and prayer in one of the largest religious gatherings in the country.
Not a Day of Sadness
See lessThough it marks his passing, Lag B´Omer is not observed as a day of sorrow. Instead, it is celebrated with joy, reflecting the mystical tradition that Rabbi Shimon’s soul ascended in light and holiness.
Why Lag BaOmer?
Lag B´Omer, the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, is a unique break in a season of mourning with layers of spiritual and historical meaning. The Number 33 – A Turning Point“Lag” is the Hebrew numerical value of 33 (ל = 30, ג = 3). This day stands out in the 49-day Omer count between Passover andRead more
Lag B´Omer, the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, is a unique break in a season of mourning with layers of spiritual and historical meaning.
The Number 33 – A Turning Point
“Lag” is the Hebrew numerical value of 33 (ל = 30, ג = 3). This day stands out in the 49-day Omer count between Passover and Shavuot, traditionally a solemn time. Lag B´Omer is celebrated because it marks a pause in this mourning period.
End of a Plague
Jewish tradition teaches that a devastating plague struck the students of Rabbi Akiva during the Omer period. On the 33rd day, the plague ceased, offering a reason for hope and joy.
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s Legacy
Lag B´Omer is also believed to be the day that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a major figure in Jewish mysticism, passed away. It’s said he revealed deep spiritual teachings on this day. Bonfires lit during celebrations symbolize the divine “light” of his wisdom.
Symbol of Jewish Strength
Some also associate Lag B´Omer with Jewish resistance to Roman oppression. Archery games by children recall the struggle for freedom and the rainbow of hope (keshet) after the flood in the Torah.
A Joyful Day of Learning and Unity
See lessWhile its origins are layered in history and legend, Lag B´Omer has become a celebration of Jewish identity, spiritual resilience, and community. From bonfires to barbecues to pilgrimages in Israel, it’s a day of light in the calendar—both literally and figuratively.
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See lessWhen Is Lag BaOmer?
Lag B´Omer is celebrated on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which is the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer—a ritual counting period between Passover and Shavuot. Date in the Gregorian CalendarBecause the Hebrew calendar is lunar-based, the Gregorian date for Lag B´Omer changes each yearRead more
Lag B´Omer is celebrated on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which is the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer—a ritual counting period between Passover and Shavuot.
Date in the Gregorian Calendar
Because the Hebrew calendar is lunar-based, the Gregorian date for Lag B´Omer changes each year. It usually falls in April or May.
Upcoming Dates for Lag B´Omer
2025: Friday, May 16
2026: Tuesday, May 5
2027: Tuesday, May 25
2028: Sunday, May 14
2029: Thursday, May 3
2030: Tuesday, May 21
Note: Jewish holidays begin at sundown the evening before the date listed, so celebrations typically start the night before.
See lessWhy Is Lag BaOmer Celebrated?
Lag B´Omer is celebrated as a joyful break in a traditionally somber time and to honor important historical and spiritual events in Jewish history. End of a Tragic PlagueAccording to tradition, a plague that killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students during the Counting of the Omer ended on the 33rdRead more
Lag B´Omer is celebrated as a joyful break in a traditionally somber time and to honor important historical and spiritual events in Jewish history.
End of a Tragic Plague
According to tradition, a plague that killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students during the Counting of the Omer ended on the 33rd day. Lag B´Omer marks this day as a moment of relief and joy in the Jewish calendar.
Commemoration of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
Lag B´Omer is also believed to be the death anniversary of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century Jewish mystic and scholar. He is associated with the Zohar, a key Kabbalistic text. According to legend, he revealed great spiritual teachings on the day of his death, and bonfires are lit to represent the “spiritual light” he brought into the world.
Celebration of Jewish Strength and Identity
Some traditions connect the day to Jewish resistance during Roman times, including the Bar Kokhba revolt. Lag B´Omer has come to symbolize Jewish bravery, pride, and cultural identity—especially through traditions like playing with bows and arrows and outdoor gatherings.
Community Festivities
See lessWith bonfires, music, dancing, children’s games, and the upsherin haircut tradition, Lag B´Omer is widely celebrated as a day of unity, learning, and joy, especially in Israel and among religious Jewish communities around the world.