5 KEY FACTS about Lag Ba’Omer
- While the Torah describes the period of the Omer between Pesach and Shavuot as a happy time, a sad event transformed some of this period into one of sadness.
- Rabbi Akiva, who was one of the greatest Rabbis and who lived during and after the destruction of the second Temple, had 24,000 students. Tragically, they ‘all died in a short period of time because they did not treat each other respectfully’. In commemoration of this tragedy, it is customary to avoid public expressions of happiness during this period.
- For example, it is customary not to marry during this period, or to cut one’s hair, to dance or listen to music. However, many authorities explain that Rabbi Akiva’s students ceased dying after 33 days. Therefore, these minor mourning customs are lifted on the 18th of Iyar (which is ‘ ל”ג בָּעֹמֶר ‐Lag Ba’Omer’ which means ‘the 33rd day of the Omer’); and on this day, it is customary to have a haircut, listen to music and dance. Many people also choose to get married on this day (NB. some Sefardim take a stricter position and wait until the 34th day to have haircuts).
- A further reason for joy and happiness on Lag Ba’Omer is due to the fact that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who became a student of Rabbi Akiva after this tragic event, died on Lag Ba’Omer. While the date when someone dies is generally a sad day, this day is different because Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai chose to teach many of the Torah’s deepest secrets (which were subsequently recorded in the זֹהַר ) to his students just before he died. We therefore call a day when we remember a holy person a הִלּוּלָא . Because the holy Torah that was taught by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai was likened to fire, it is customary to build bonfires on Lag Ba’Omer.
- Additionally, our Sages teach that during the lifetime of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, no rainbow was seen in the sky. This is because a rainbow reminds us that God will not bring more punishment to the world, and while he was alive, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai had sufficient merit that God did need to teach this message. In light of this, it is customary for children to play with a bow ( קֶשֶׁת ) and arrow ( חֵץ ) on Lag Ba’Omer. Finally, many have the custom to visit Mount Meron on Lag Ba’Omer which is where Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his son Elazar are buried.
