Lag BaOmer

Lag BaOmer is one of the oldest Jewish holidays. On this day, various events are held (burning fires, picnics, archery, and school trips). The celebration begins the night before and lasts the whole day.

The History

This holiday has deep historical roots. Its name comes from 2 words: lag – number 33, omer – wheat sheaf needed to feed one person per day. There are many stories about this holiday. One version claims Lag BaOmer is the anniversary of the great sage Shimon Bar Yochai’s death, who implored his disciples to celebrate the day of his death as a day of the great joy.

Numerous festive events are held on Lag BaOmer. Jews can visit Mount Meron in Israel, where the sage Shimon Bar Yochai is buried. This day is often selected by young lovers for marriage. The obligatory attribute is a bonfire, which children especially enjoy, and adults have picnics and fun.

Interesting Facts

Lag BaOmer is a holiday of fun, hope, the removal of restrictions, and cessation of sorrow.

1. This is the first haircut day for a Jew. Parents often take their child to Mount Meron (if a child is older than 3 years old) and cut their hair there.
2. Schools organize field trips.
3. Jews say, if you have not seen the joy of thousands of people during the Lag BaOmer celebration on Mount Meron, you have not seen true happiness.

When is Lag BaOmer celebrated in 2024?

Lag BaOmer is observed on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar.

Observations