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.

The name Lag BaOmer comes from Hebrew and literally means “33rd of the Omer.”

• “Lag” is not a word but a number: it’s made of the Hebrew letters ל (Lamed) and ג (Gimel), which together represent the number 33.

• “BaOmer” means “in the Omer,” referring to the 49-day period of counting between Passover and Shavuot, known as the Counting of the Omer.

So Lag BaOmer is the 33rd day of this count — a day set apart with joy, reflection, and celebration.

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.

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
With 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.

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.