What is Lag B'Omer?
The 33rd day of the Omer — a day of joy, celebration, and profound spiritual significance.
Lag B'Omer falls on the 18th of Iyar, the 33rd day of the Omer — the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuos. During much of the Omer, we observe semi-mourning customs in memory of the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who perished in a plague. Lag B'Omer is a joyful exception: the plague ceased on this day.
Lag B'Omer is also the yahrzeit — and the greatest day of joy — of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the author of the Zohar and one of the greatest kabbalists in Jewish history. Before passing, he revealed the deepest secrets of the Torah to his disciples. He instructed that the day of his passing be celebrated as a festive occasion, and for centuries Jews have marked it with bonfires, singing, and rejoicing.
In Israel, hundreds of thousands of Jews make a pilgrimage each year to Meron, the resting place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, for a massive celebration. Around the world, communities light bonfires to symbolize the light of the Torah that Rabbi Shimon brought into the world.
Source: chabad.org
Customs & Traditions
Lag B'Omer is celebrated with unique customs that connect us to its deeper meaning.
Bonfires
Lit in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, symbolizing the Torah's light he revealed.
Bows & Arrows
Children play with toy bows and arrows — a reminder that no rainbow appeared during Rabbi Shimon's lifetime.
Upsherin
Many families give their three-year-old boys their first haircut on Lag B'Omer.
Music & Dancing
The restrictions on music during the Omer are lifted — Lag B'Omer is a day of singing and celebration.
Events & Programs
Join us for Lag B'Omer celebrations at Chabad of Flatbush.
We host Lag B'Omer celebrations including bonfires, children's activities, and community gatherings. Contact us for this year's schedule and details.
Questions & Contact
Questions about Lag B'Omer or our programs? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.