Lag BaOmer is the 33rd day of the so-called "Omer period"—the time between the Jewish festivals of Passover and Shavuot. It interrupts the general mourning for one day and has both religious and cultural significance. This year it begins on the evening of May 15.
By Dr. Tobias Krämer
Lag BaOmer is a Jewish holiday celebrated worldwide. The name of the holiday, Lag BaOmer, is an abbreviation: Lag means a number, and Omer is a sheaf of grain and a unit of measurement. The two letters Lamed (L, numerical value 30) and Gimel (G, numerical value 3) combine to form the number 33. L and G are read together as one word: Lag = 33. The Omer refers to a grain offering. During the 50 days between Passover and Shavuot, barley was once offered as a sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem for 49 days. The amount of grain offered each day was called "an Omer." These 49 days of sacrifice are thus known as the Omer period (Leviticus 23:15-16). Lag BaOmer literally means "the 33rd in the Omer." It refers to the 33rd day of the Omer period.
Originating in the 2nd century
The Torah does not yet define this period as a time of mourning and repentance, but it has become so over the course of history. The origin of Lag BaOmer dates back to the 2nd century. Rabbi Akiva, a prominent Jewish scholar, had many students. One day, a plague broke out, and 24,000 of his students died. The plague ended on the 33rd day of the Omer count, which is therefore celebrated as a day of remembrance and thanksgiving. Lag BaOmer is thus the 33rd day of this period and suspends the mourning for one day.
According to tradition, the plague arose because the students lacked mutual respect – so the Talmud states. However, a different historical explanation is likely. Since Rabbi Akiva was a supporter of Bar Kochba and even considered him the Messiah, it is probable that this "plague" refers to the struggle against the Romans. For in the second century AD, during the Omer period, the Romans brutally suppressed the Bar Kochba revolt.
Another aspect of Lag BaOmer is the commemoration of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Shimon was one of Rabbi Akiva's students and an influential scholar of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah). The Talmud recounts that he had to hide in a cave for twelve years, where he studied only Torah. According to legend, Rabbi Shimon died on the 33rd day of the Omer count, and his students celebrated this day as a day of remembrance for him.
A day of joy, not just for brides and grooms
Today, Lag BaOmer is often celebrated as a day of joy. In many Jewish communities worldwide, concerts and other festivities take place, where people dance and sing. Some eagerly anticipate the day for other reasons as well. On this day, certain things are permitted that are otherwise forbidden during the Omer period: shaving, cutting hair, and especially getting married. Lag BaOmer is therefore a popular wedding date for Jewish couples. Children also look forward to Lag BaOmer, as sporting competitions take place everywhere. Many families go on outings, meet for picnics around bonfires, sing, dance, and pray to God.
In summary, Lag BaOmer is a day of joy, remembrance and celebration that interrupts the period of mourning and penance and has both religious and cultural significance.
