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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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    Lag BaOmer marks the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, a period between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot. While much of the Omer is observed with semi-mourning customs, Lag BaOmer is a break from this somberness — a day of joy, light, and celebration. Historical and Spiritual MeaningThe dayRead more

    Lag BaOmer marks the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, a period between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot. While much of the Omer is observed with semi-mourning customs, Lag BaOmer is a break from this somberness — a day of joy, light, and celebration.

    Historical and Spiritual Meaning
    The day is traditionally associated with the end of a deadly plague that struck Rabbi Akiva’s students in the 2nd century CE. This sudden relief is one reason for celebration.

    It is also linked to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered Jewish sage and mystic, who is said to have passed away on this day. According to tradition, he revealed deep spiritual teachings — possibly the foundation of the Zohar, a central text of Jewish mysticism — on the day of his death. His life and teachings are honored with bonfires, symbolizing his “spiritual light.”

    Customs and Symbols

    • Bonfires: Represent the light of Rabbi Shimon’s teachings.

    • Bows and Arrows: Played with by children, symbolizing peace — some say they recall a time when no rainbow (a symbol of God’s covenant) was needed in Rabbi Shimon’s merit.

    • Upsherin (First Haircut): A ritual haircut for three-year-old boys, often held on this day, especially in Hasidic communities.

    In short, Lag BaOmer is a joyful pause in a season of reflection — honoring the past, celebrating spiritual insight, and embracing hope.

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Asked: 6 months agoIn: , ,

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    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 theRead more

    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.

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Asked: 6 months agoIn: , ,

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    Lag BaOmer is kind of like a fun break in the middle of the Counting of the Omer. People celebrate in a bunch of cool ways. The most famous thing? Bonfires — they light up the night sky, symbolizing the “spiritual light” brought by the sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. In Israel, tons of people head toRead more

    Lag BaOmer is kind of like a fun break in the middle of the Counting of the Omer. People celebrate in a bunch of cool ways. The most famous thing? Bonfires — they light up the night sky, symbolizing the “spiritual light” brought by the sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

    In Israel, tons of people head to his tomb to party with bonfires, singing, dancing, and feasting. Kids often play with bows and arrows, which is linked to the Hebrew word “keshet,” meaning both bow and rainbow — a symbol of hope.

    Another sweet tradition is the upsherin, a first haircut ceremony for three-year-old boys, since the Talmud says no haircuts during the Omer except on Lag BaOmer.

    All in all, it’s a day full of light, joy, and a mix of ancient traditions and good vibes.

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