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Lag BaOmer is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the Omer, between Passover and Shavuot. It honors ancient sages, especially Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, and marks the end of a plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students.

Celebrations include bonfires, bows and arrows, haircuts for 3-year-old boys (upsherin), and festive gatherings, especially in Israel. Though not a public holiday, some Jewish institutions close on this day.

It usually falls in May on the 18th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar.

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Asked: 6 months agoIn: , ,

lag baomer
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    Yes, shaving is traditionally permitted on Lag BaOmer. During the Counting of the Omer, many observant Jews refrain from shaving or cutting their hair as a sign of mourning. However, Lag BaOmer marks a break in this mourning period, and shaving, along with haircuts, is allowed on this day. In fact,Read more

    Yes, shaving is traditionally permitted on Lag BaOmer.

    During the Counting of the Omer, many observant Jews refrain from shaving or cutting their hair as a sign of mourning. However, Lag BaOmer marks a break in this mourning period, and shaving, along with haircuts, is allowed on this day.

    In fact, some communities even celebrate the day with ceremonial haircuts, particularly the upsherin—a boy’s first haircut at age three.

    Note: Customs can vary slightly between Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities, and some may wait until the morning of the 34th day to shave, depending on tradition.

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Asked: 6 months agoIn: , ,

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    Yes, regular work is permitted on Lag BaOmer. Lag BaOmer is a joyful day during the Counting of the Omer, but it is not considered a full religious holiday like Passover or Shavuot. That means there are no formal restrictions on working, using electricity, or conducting business. While some people tRead more

    Yes, regular work is permitted on Lag BaOmer.

    Lag BaOmer is a joyful day during the Counting of the Omer, but it is not considered a full religious holiday like Passover or Shavuot. That means there are no formal restrictions on working, using electricity, or conducting business.

    While some people take the day off for celebrations—especially in Israel, where it’s common to have school trips, weddings, or community bonfires—there’s no religious requirement to refrain from work.

    So while many enjoy festive activities, working on Lag BaOmer is allowed according to Jewish law.

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Asked: 6 months agoIn: , ,

lag baomer
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    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 dRead more

    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.

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Asked: 6 months agoIn: , ,

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

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