Special Occasions

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.

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
In 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.

Lag BaOmer celebrates a mix of spiritual, historical, and mystical traditions within Judaism.

Most commonly, it marks:

• The end of a plague that, according to tradition, killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students in the 2nd century CE. The 33rd day is said to be the day the plague stopped.

• The life and teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a famous Jewish sage and mystic, believed to have revealed deep secrets of the Torah (later known as the Zohar). He is said to have died on this date, and asked for the day to be celebrated with joy.

• A break in mourning during the Counting of the Omer, when weddings, music, and haircuts are traditionally avoided — but permitted on Lag BaOmer.

It’s a joyful pause during a solemn period, celebrated with bonfires, songs, bows and arrows, and often a child’s first haircut.

The name Lag BaOmer is pronounced: lahg bah-OH-mehr.

The first word, Lag, sounds like “log” but with a softer “a,” similar to “la.”
The second part, BaOmer, is a combination of “ba” (like “bah”) and “Omer” (OH-mehr).

The name comes from Hebrew, where “Lag” represents the number 33 and “BaOmer” means “of the Omer” — referring to the 33rd day of the Omer counting period.

During the Counting of the Omer season, Lag BaOmer is a happy day that is marked by communal celebrations, bonfires, and music.

Fires and Festive Get-Togethers
Lighting bonfires is one of the most recognizable Lag BaOmer customs. These represent the teachings and spiritual light of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered Jewish sage who is thought to have died on this day. Around the fire, families and friends congregate to roast food, tell stories, sing songs, and take in the evening.

Outdoor Activities and Picnics
Lag BaOmer is frequently spent outside. Hikes, nature excursions, and family picnics are popular activities. Children are playing games in parks and open areas, particularly archery with toy bows and arrows, a custom associated with the rainbow’s symbolism.

Visiting Rabbi Shimon’s Tomb
In Israel, thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Meron, the burial site of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. There, crowds celebrate with music, dancing, and massive bonfires in his honor. It’s one of the largest Jewish gatherings of the year.

The First Haircut – Upsherin
For many religious families, especially in Hasidic communities, Lag BaOmer marks a milestone for three-year-old boys: their first haircut, called upsherin. This tradition is based on the idea of spiritual growth, and the day’s special status allows hair cutting even during the otherwise solemn Omer period.

Weddings and Celebrations
Because of the semi-mourning nature of the Omer period, weddings and parties are generally avoided—except on Lag BaOmer. It’s considered an especially lucky and joyful day for couples to get married and for families to host celebratory events.

Why the Joy?
Tradition says the sadness of the Omer lifts on this day. According to Jewish teachings, a deadly plague that killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students ended on Lag BaOmer. The day is also linked to hidden miracles, spiritual breakthroughs, and hope—making it a welcome break from a somber season.