What is Lag BaOmer?

By: Deanna Kahn

History & Significance

Lag BaOmer is a minor Jewish holiday whose origins are somewhat unclear, as it commemorates a number of historical and celebratory events. Lag BaOmer falls on the 33rd day of Omer; this is because it’s comprised of the Hebrew letters lamed (ל) and gimel (ג) which together represent the numerical value 33. The Omer refers to the counting period between Passover and Shavuot, a mournful period of time that is given respite on Lag BaOmer. This holiday also may have stemmed from celebrating the start of the spring agricultural cycle or it’s multiple Kabbalistic associations as stated in Essential Judaism by George Robinson.

In Israel, Lag BaOmer largely celebrates the Sage and Mystic, who is said to have passed on this day- Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai, who was forced to flee after the Bar Kochba Rebellion due to defying Roman rule some 2,000 years ago. Legend holds that he and his son hid away in a cave for 12 years; surviving on a well and carob tree miraculously provided for them there. After emerging from their years of study and prayer, Rabbi Simeon went on to become the first to teach Kabbalah publicly and is said to have revealed the Zohar. Upon his death, the rabbi instructed his disciples to mark the date as “the day of my joy”.

Traditions/ Celebrations

This period of time is normally observed with semi-mourning restrictions, however, the holiday gives observers a break to engage in those activities normally restricted (cutting hair, having parties, etc). On Lag BaOmer, we are instructed to celebrate the day and spend time outside; enjoying the natural beauty through picnics and bonfires. Lighting fires is one of the most common traditions of this holiday, as it also commemorates the light Rabbi Simeon brought into the world through his teachings. Another tradition of the holidays involved children playing with bows and arrows. Parades and parties with music and laughter are frequent, not only in Israel, but across the globe as well.

Many observers (primarily Hasids and Sephardis) travel to the resting place of Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai in the village of Meron to pay respects, get married, and bring their 3 year old sons for haircuts (a ceremony called Upsheren).

Although seemingly unusual, the customary foods of Lag BaOmer consist of carob and eggs. Carob miraculously sustained Rabbi Simeon and his son while hiding from the Romans. Eggs are a symbol of mourning and eaten as part of the mourning process of Omer.

With the increase in interest of Kabbalah and mysticism, it is unsurprising this holiday has begun to emerge as more of a well known event.

Deanna Kahn (she/her) is a staff writer at Nesh Magazine.