The most popular explanation for the Jewish practice cites the Talmud that depicts the story of a plague that had cultivated and killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva's students because they did not treat each other with respect. To understand the Lag BaOmer story in-depth, it is important to first understand the significance of Omer time. Jewish consider this as a happy day and therefore, immerse themselves in vibrant celebrations for those 24 hours. Hence, the significance of the Lag BaOmer day becomes even more eminent as it is the only day of the Omer month when the previously forbidden activities are allowed. ![]() During the mourning period, it is commonly believed that huge functions should be avoided and haircuts must be forbidden, as a way to maintain grief. In Jewish countries, Lag BaOmer is considered a minor holiday as it signifies a break from the mourning period of the Omer. In this article, we'll take you through what is Lag BaOmer, its significance today and how is it celebrated around the world. While another set of people believe this day to be the day when the plague that killed over 24,000 Rabbi Akiva's disciples, came to an end, accordingly earning the term of the conclusion of the mourning period of Sefirat HaOmer. Some Jews believe this day to be the death anniversary of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a Mishnaic sage of the 2nd century. All rights reserved.Lag BaOmer is a Jewish religious festival that falls on the 33rd day of Counting of the Omer or the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. Various traditions and customs are attached to this day. In such cases, however, Lag Ba’Omer is excluded from the mourning customs.Ĭopyright © 2022 NJOP. *Some people observe 33 days of mourning starting from the beginning of the month of Iyar until three days prior to Shavuot. ![]() Lag Ba’Omer is celebrated tonight and tomorrow. One is that the word “ Zohar” translates to “shining light,” and bonfires bring light to the world. There are several reasons given for this custom. It is also common for families and friends to gather together for a bonfire and/or picnic on Lag Ba’Omer, often on Mount Meron. As per his deathbed request, his death is celebrated rather than mourned. In Israel, tens of thousands of people travel to Mount Meron (near Safed) to observe his yahrtzeit near the cave in which he was buried. Lag Ba’Omer is also the anniversary of the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the famed Talmudic Kabbalist whose teachings are revealed in the Zohar. Since haircuts are delayed until after the period of mourning, and because there is Kabbalistic significance to hair, many put off the child’s first hair-cutting ceremony, called an Upsherin, until Lag Ba’Omer. ![]() *Some have the custom not to cut a boy’s hair until he is three years old, the age at which the child first begins to learn Torah. “ Lamed” has the value of 30, and “ Gimmel” has the value of 3, thus Lag (spelled “ Lamed Gimmel“) Ba’Omer, literally means 33 (days) in the Omer.īecause the mourning period is now over or suspended for the day, Lag Ba’Omer is a popular date for weddings (which are not held during most of Sefirat Ha’Omer) and haircuts. In Hebrew, every letter of the alphabet has a numerical value. The period of mourning* ( for the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who died of plague) that is associated with Sefirat Ha’Omer, is not observed on the 33rd day of the Omer, a day known as Lag Ba’Omer.
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