Lag BaOmer 2023: The Jewish religious festival of Lag BaOmer occurs on the eighteenth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. Additionally, it signifies the 33rd day of the Omer. According to the Talmud, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai passed away on Lag BaOmer, and the holiday commemorates the “day of his joy” as he instructed his disciples. In addition, it commemorates the day when a plague that transpired during Rabbi Akiva’s lifetime ended.
HISTORY OF LAG BAOMER
Lag BaOmer, also known as Lag B’Omer, is observed on the 33rd day of the Omer, which is the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. The word ‘Lag’ is composed of the Hebrew letters ‘lamed’ () and ‘gimel’ (), which have a combined numerical value of 33. And ‘BaOmer’ means ‘of the Omer.’ The Omer is a period of semi-mourning during which many activities, including weddings, chanting and dancing, and even haircuts, are prohibited. Lag BaOmer is the only day permitted by Jewish law for these activities.
Although the precise origin of the holiday is unknown, references to it date back to the 15th century. On Lag BaOmer, two significant events are observed. The first being the day Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai passed away. He was the first to publicly teach the Kabbalah, the esoteric dimension of the Torah, and even authored the Zohar, the classic text of the Kabbalah. People celebrate Rabbi Shimon’s life and the Torah’s hidden essence.
According to the Talmud, thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students perished because they did not regard one another with respect during this season. The period of semi-mourning is observed in remembrance of the students and their punishment. This plague ended on Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the Omer, and as a consequence, it became a happy day, signifying a 24-hour break in the mourning period.
Lag BaOmer has evolved into a minor holiday that is celebrated in a variety of ways. It is a day when Jewish weddings, bonfires, and even haircuts take place. In addition to sports and picnics, many people celebrate with their families.
HOW TO OBSERVE LAG BAOMER
Have a picnic.
Lag BaOmer is the only day of festivity during the semi-mourning period. Take your family on a nearby excursion and engage in some outdoor sports and activities. You can even indulge in traditional foods associated with this holiday, such as kebabs, aubergine salad, potato salad, etc.
Create a conflagration
The lighting of a conflagration is an essential component of Lag BaOmer celebrations. Visit an outdoor pyre and pay your respects to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai if you lack the space to do so.
Obtain a trim
Have you put off getting a haircut for some time? Lag BaOmer is the ideal time to cross this off your to-do list, as one of the methods to celebrate this holiday is to get a haircut!
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS DAY
custom of consuming carob
Some individuals consume carob fruit in remembrance of a carob tree that miraculously grew at the entrance to Rabbi Shimon’s sanctuary.
Eating dyed eggs
As a reflection of the dual nature of the day, many people eat hard-boiled eggs that have been coloured with onion skins. The eggs symbolise mourning, while the colours contribute a festive spirit.
Pour a drink
Guests who visit Rabbi Shimon’s tomb are given 18 rotel of drink, an ancient liquid measurement equivalent to approximately 54 litres.
A pleasant stroll in the park
Lag BaOmer is celebrated by visiting parks and open fields.
Initial haircut
Many Jewish parents allow their sons’ hair to grow until they are three years old, and then they get their first haircut on Lag BaOmer.
WHY THIS DAY IS IMPORTANT
The tenacity of the Jewish soul
On Lag BaOmer, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai passed away. Since the modern era, this day has represented the tenacity of the Jewish character. To honour Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and the illumination he brought to the world, a bonfire is lit.
It glorifies pleasure
Lag BaOmer occurs during a period of semi-mourning and commemorates the day a dreadful epidemic was momentarily halted. The holiday commemorates a joyous occasion in Jewish history. Thus, on this day, a large number of people marry, some infants receive their first haircut, people celebrate in the open air, etc.
Revelation of the Torah’s esoteric essence
Lag BaOmer is significant because it also commemorates the revelation of the Torah’s esoteric soul.
LAG BAOMER DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | April 30 | Friday |
| 2022 | May 19 | Thursday |
| 2023 | May 9 | Tuesday |
