The United Synagogue

Lag B'Omer

Thirty three days following the first day of Passover, Jews celebrate Lag B'Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer. This 50-day period between Passover and Shavuot is meant to be a time of joy and happiness, seeing as the Jews have just got their freedom from slavery. However, we instead observe it as a period of semi mourning.

What is the reason for sadness during what should have been a period of joy?
The reason, we are told, is that during this period, Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 students, died from a strange plague. They died becasue "they did not show proper respect to one another". Lag B'Omer is celebrated on the 33rd day because on that day the plague ended and Rabbi Akiva's students stopped dying.

Weddings, music and haircuts are not allowed, and some do not shave during this entire period. It is during this sad time that we come across the holiday of Lag B'Omer, the one day when our mourning is halted.

What does Lag B'Omer mean?
Lag in Hebrew stands for "lamed" which equals 30 and "gimmel" which equals "3." Then B'Omer means "in the Omer." Therefore, all in all, it means "the 33rd day of the Omer".

What are the customs of Lag B'Omer?
Families go on picnics and outings; children play with bows and arrows; Tachanun, the prayer for special Divine Mercy on one's behalf, is not said; and in Israel, at the burial place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son, Rabbi Elazar b'Rabbi Shimon, Jews gather to celebrate their Yahrtzeit.