Holidays & Seasonal Events

Lag BaOmer is special because it’s a joyful break during the otherwise somber Counting of the Omer, a 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. This 33rd day brings celebration, light, and hope — all tied to powerful stories from Jewish tradition.

End of a Plague
According to the Talmud, a mysterious plague killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students during the Omer. On Lag BaOmer, the deaths are said to have stopped — making it a day of relief and gratitude.

Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
This day is also linked to the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage and mystic who, tradition says, revealed deep spiritual teachings before his death. His yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) is honored with bonfires, singing, and gatherings — especially at his tomb in Meron, Israel.

Spiritual “Light” and Learning
The bonfires symbolize the spiritual light Rabbi Shimon brought into the world. Many see this as a time to embrace deeper learning and reflection.

Family and Childhood Traditions
It’s also a popular day for upsherin, a first haircut for 3-year-old boys, and for children to play with bows and arrows — symbols connected to peace and biblical imagery.

In essence, Lag BaOmer stands out as a day of light, learning, and renewal — blending history, mysticism, and joy.

Lag B´Omer holds cultural, spiritual, and historical significance within the Jewish tradition.

Commemoration of a Break in Mourning
The Counting of the Omer, between Passover and Shavuot, is traditionally a period of mourning. Lag B´Omer marks a joyful break in this time. According to tradition, a deadly plague that killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students ended on this 33rd day, making it a day of relief and celebration.

Honoring Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
Lag B´Omer is also believed to be the yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a renowned 2nd-century sage and mystic. He is traditionally credited with authoring the Zohar, a foundational text of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). It is said that on the day of his death, he revealed profound spiritual secrets. Bonfires are lit in his honor to symbolize the light of his teachings.

Spiritual and Communal Celebration
The day offers a chance for the Jewish community to come together in joy and unity. Through bonfires, music, dancing, and festive activities like archery and first haircuts for young boys, the holiday encourages spiritual connection, hope, and Jewish identity, especially in times of historical hardship.

Cultural Significance in Israel
In Israel, Lag B´Omer is widely celebrated with pilgrimages to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s tomb at Mount Meron. The large gatherings and joyful atmosphere have made the holiday one of the most vibrant on the Jewish calendar.

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
While 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.

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
Lag 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.

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
With 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.