Lag BaOmer for KidsFor 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 UniqueThis day honors the life of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a wise teacherRead more
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 BaOmerCelebrated 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 StatesRead more
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
See lessJewish communities worldwide observe this day with bonfires, picnics, and outdoor games, even if it is not a public holiday.