Home/lag baomer/Page 4

Tag: lag baomer

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.

Shiraverse Latest Questions

Festival
Festival
Asked: 9 months agoIn: , ,

lag baomer
  1. Festival
    Festival

    Lag BaOmer in 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 5. What Is Lag BaOmer?Lag BaOmer is a Jewish holiday observed on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, a period between Passover and Shavuot. The name "Lag" is made up of the Hebrew letters lamed (30) and gimel (3), which together represent tRead more

    Lag BaOmer in 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 5.

    What Is Lag BaOmer?
    Lag BaOmer is a Jewish holiday observed on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, a period between Passover and Shavuot. The name “Lag” is made up of the Hebrew letters lamed (30) and gimel (3), which together represent the number 33.

    Spiritual Significance
    The day is associated with the end of a deadly plague that affected Rabbi Akiva’s students in the 2nd century CE. It also commemorates the life and teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a mystic sage believed to have revealed the secrets of the Kabbalah.

    Customs and Celebrations
    Bonfires are lit to symbolize the “spiritual light” of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s teachings. In Israel, thousands of people gather at his tomb in Meron for music, dancing, and all-night festivities.

    Children often play with bows and arrows, symbolizing hope and the rainbow of peace (the Hebrew word keshet means both “bow” and “rainbow”). In some communities, three-year-old boys receive their first haircut in a special ceremony called upsherin.

    Public Holiday Status
    Lag BaOmer is not a public holiday in most countries, but some Jewish schools and businesses may close for the day.

    Hebrew Calendar Date
    In 2026, Lag BaOmer falls on the 18th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar.

    Note: As with all Jewish holidays, observance begins at sundown the evening before — so celebrations will begin on Monday night, May 4, 2026.

    See less
Festival
Festival
Asked: 9 months agoIn: , ,

lag baomer
  1. Festival
    Festival

    Lag BaOmer is this cool mid-point break during the Counting of the Omer, celebrated on the 33rd day. It’s got a bunch of meanings—some say it marks the end of a plague that hit Rabbi Akiva’s students a long time ago, while others link it to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a famous sage whose teachings areRead more

    Lag BaOmer is this cool mid-point break during the Counting of the Omer, celebrated on the 33rd day. It’s got a bunch of meanings—some say it marks the end of a plague that hit Rabbi Akiva’s students a long time ago, while others link it to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a famous sage whose teachings are celebrated on this day.

    People celebrate with big bonfires, which light up the night sky—kind of symbolizing the “spiritual light” and wisdom he brought into the world. There’s also a fun tradition where kids play with bows and arrows, because the Hebrew word “keshet” means both bow and rainbow, which represents hope.

    And for little boys, it’s a big deal too—many get their first haircut on Lag BaOmer in a ceremony called upsherin. So it’s a day packed with history, light, celebration, and a bit of fun!

    See less
Festival
Festival
Asked: 9 months agoIn: , ,

lag baomer
  1. Festival
    Festival

    Lag BaOmer is special because it’s a joyful break during the otherwise somber Counting of the Omer, a 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. This 33rd day brings celebration, light, and hope — all tied to powerful stories from Jewish tradition. End of a PlagueAccording to the Talmud, a mysterioRead more

    Lag BaOmer is special because it’s a joyful break during the otherwise somber Counting of the Omer, a 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. This 33rd day brings celebration, light, and hope — all tied to powerful stories from Jewish tradition.

    End of a Plague
    According to the Talmud, a mysterious plague killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students during the Omer. On Lag BaOmer, the deaths are said to have stopped — making it a day of relief and gratitude.

    Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
    This day is also linked to the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage and mystic who, tradition says, revealed deep spiritual teachings before his death. His yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) is honored with bonfires, singing, and gatherings — especially at his tomb in Meron, Israel.

    Spiritual “Light” and Learning
    The bonfires symbolize the spiritual light Rabbi Shimon brought into the world. Many see this as a time to embrace deeper learning and reflection.

    Family and Childhood Traditions
    It’s also a popular day for upsherin, a first haircut for 3-year-old boys, and for children to play with bows and arrows — symbols connected to peace and biblical imagery.

    In essence, Lag BaOmer stands out as a day of light, learning, and renewal — blending history, mysticism, and joy.

    See less
Festival
Festival
Asked: 9 months agoIn: , ,

lag baomer
  1. Festival
    Festival

    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.

    See less