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We have your Lag Ba'Omer learning covered. Here are some of our favorite resources that we think you will enjoy!

5 KEY FACTS about Lag Ba’Omer

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

LAG BA’OMER LESSONS IN JIGZI

Here are some of our top Lag Ba’Omer interactions for you and your children to learn and enjoy! See what other parents and educators have created for Lag Ba’Omer.

Play Lag Ba’Omer games and lessons in Jigzi

FREE LAG BA’OMER E-BOOK
Great resources, ideas, activities and games for you to do together with your children to make Lag Ba’Omer more fun and exciting.
Note: The English e-Book has been updated for Jigzi activities.

(Available in English, Hebrew and French)

Download eBook
להוריד את הספר האלקטרוני
Téléchargez!

Some of our favorite Lag Ba'Omer blogs packed with insight and ideas:

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On Lag Ba'Omer and Harry Potter

Rabbi Johnny Solomon explains how Lag Ba’Omer is a multi-layered day of celebration which is often misunderstood. He explains the different elements of this mysterious day and suggests how it can be explored further – both with your children and students. Read more…

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Lag Ba'Omer Customs: Fans of Kumzits and First Haircut

Rifki Orzech discusses the customs of Lag Ba’Omer – haircuts and bonfires, together with the history of these customs. Read more…

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A Ramble on Rituals and Quality Time - Lag Ba'Omer

Rifki Orzech discusses the rituals and customs of Lag Ba’Omer, a festival that has traditionally stood for many different ideas. Read more…

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Create your own Lag Ba’Omer games in Jigzi using our GREAT image collection for telling the history of Lag Ba’Omer and its customs.
Look for the Lag Ba’Omer theme!

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