Bonfires are one of the most recognizable traditions of Lag BaOmer. They are lit at nightfall and can be seen glowing across hillsides, neighborhoods, and parks — especially in Israel. But why?

Spiritual Light of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
The bonfires are most commonly said to honor Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage and mystic whose teachings are linked to the Kabbalistic text known as the Zohar. According to tradition, he passed away on Lag BaOmer, and on that very day, he revealed deep spiritual secrets to his students.

The flames symbolize the “spiritual light” he brought into the world — a light of wisdom, truth, and mysticism that continues to inspire Jewish thought today.

A Celebration of Hope and Illumination
Others see the bonfires as a metaphor for hope breaking through darkness, fitting for a day when mourning customs are paused and joy returns.

Possible Ancient Festival Roots
Some historians suggest that bonfires may also connect to older, seasonal fire festivals in the region, like May Day celebrations in Europe — though in Jewish tradition, the bonfire’s meaning is spiritual rather than seasonal.

Modern Celebrations
Today, bonfires are lit by families and communities. Children roast potatoes and marshmallows, sing songs, and dance around the flames — creating an atmosphere that is both festive and meaningful.

In short, Lag BaOmer bonfires represent the light of learning, the warmth of tradition, and the joy of community.

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 BaOmer isn’t actually mentioned in the Bible at all. It’s a later tradition that grew out of a few different stories and customs tied to the Omer period, which is biblical.

Here’s what’s in the Bible: in Leviticus, there’s a command to count 50 days from Passover to Shavuot — this is called the Counting of the Omer. Each day, a sheaf of grain (an “omer”) was brought as an offering in the ancient Temple.

Now, why do we celebrate specifically the 33rd day (Lag = 33 in Hebrew)? That’s where it gets more historical/traditional than biblical:

• One popular explanation is that a deadly plague that hit Rabbi Akiva’s students ended on that day. That’s not in the Bible — that’s from later rabbinic sources.

• Another tradition says it honors Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage and mystic who is said to have died on this date. He’s believed to have revealed deep spiritual teachings (like parts of the Zohar, a main text of Kabbalah).

• The bonfires? Those are thought to symbolize the “spiritual light” he brought into the world.

So in short: Lag BaOmer is not a biblical holiday, but it connects to biblical times through the Omer count and has picked up layers of meaning through Jewish history and folklore.

Yes, shaving is permitted following Lag BaOmer in the majority of Jewish customs.

Many Jewish communities observe customs of mourning during the 49-day period between Shavuot and Passover, known as the Counting of the Omer. These include avoiding music, haircuts, shaving, and weddings. On the 33rd day, Lag BaOmer, the restrictions are usually removed.

Lag BaOmer is seen as a break in the mourning period. In many Ashkenazi communities, men resume shaving and getting haircuts starting on the morning of Lag BaOmer. Some Sephardic traditions, however, wait until the next day (the 34th) or even later, depending on their local customs.

So while customs may vary slightly, in most cases, it’s permitted to shave after Lag BaOmer.