Building Hours:Celebrating Lag B’Omer
In Jewish tradition, we count the 49 days between the second night of Passover and the beginning of Shavuot. This is called S’firat Ha’Omer (“The Counting of the Omer”). On the 33rd day of counting, we celebrate the holiday of Lag B’Omer.
“Lag” is an abbreviated combination of two Hebrew letters that, according to Hebrew numerology, add up to the number 33.
Lag B’Omer is traditionally celebrated with great joy!
The Talmud says Lag B’Omer celebrates the halt of a plague that took the lives of thousands of students of the great teacher Rabbi Akiva. Other sources say Lag B’Omer celebrates a victory for the armies of the Jewish leader Bar Kochba. Some associate Lag B’Omer with stories about Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a student of Rabbi Akiva and writer of an important Jewish text.
CELEBRATING THE 33rd DAY
A number of traditions and customs have developed around the holiday of Lag B’Omer. In Israel and beyond, for example, many families light bonfires to brighten up cities and countryside alike. In addition, many Jewish couples schedule weddings and parties on Lag B'Omer.
Build a Campfire
Lag B’Omer falls in mid-to- late spring, making it a great time to break out the camping gear — or at least light a fire in a fire pit. Don't forget to make some delicious s'mores!
