Special Occasions

Lag BaOmer
Celebrated on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer holy period, Lag B´Omer (or Lag BaOmer) recalls great sages and ancient miracles.

Bonfires light up the night sky as part of Lag B´Omer festivities.

Is Lag B´Omer a Public Holiday?
While this is not a public holiday in the United States, some Jewish-run organizations are closed on this date.

When Is Lag B´Omer?
Lag B´Omer is celebrated on the 18th day of the month of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in May in the Gregorian calendar.

Counting of the Sheaves
The name refers to the 33rd day of the Omer, which is a counting period between Passover and Shavuot. According to Leviticus, God commanded people to bring a sheaf of barley for 50 days. This ritual became known as the “Counting of the Omer.”

The 33rd day became special possibly because of an ancient spring festival, or because it marked the end of a deadly plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students in the 2nd century CE.

Bonfires and Bows
Bonfires symbolize spiritual light and the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage. Others link the fire tradition to European May Day customs.

In Israel, huge celebrations are held at Rabbi Shimon’s tomb in Meron, with singing, dancing, and feasting.

Children play with bows and arrows to recall the rainbow (keshet) sent by God after the flood, as a sign of hope.

A Ritual Haircut
The upsherin is a traditional first haircut given to three-year-old boys on Lag B´Omer, especially in Hasidic communities. Hair cutting is normally forbidden during the Omer period, but allowed on this day.

Jewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel
In the diaspora, most holidays are observed for an extra day due to ancient communication delays in announcing the new month. This practice continues today for most holidays except Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana.

Lag BaOmer in Other Countries
Jewish communities worldwide observe this day with bonfires, picnics, and outdoor games, even if it is not a public holiday.