Lag B'Omer
Lag B'omer is a minor holiday that falls during the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot.
Lag B'omer is another way of saying the 33rd day of the omer. The omer is an ancient Hebrew measure of grain (about 3.6 liters). In biblical times, it was forbidden to use any of the new barley crop until an omer was brought as an offering to the Temple in Jerusalem. In Leviticus it also commanded “And from the day on which you bring the offering…you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete.” (23: 15-16). This led to the 49 days of “counting the omer” which begins on the second day of Passover and ends on Shavuot as a way of marking the transition from the barley to the wheat harvest.
This was a nerve-wracking time for farmers because they prayed for good weather and a good crop. Since it was a precarious time, there are many prohibitions during the 49 days of the Omer – no weddings, parties, or haircuts.
Lag B'omer is the only exception during the seven weeks. On the 33rd day of the omer (Lag B'omer) celebrations are permitted, and many choose to get married on this day. It is customary in Israel to celebrate this day with outdoor parties, picnics, and bonfires.
Find out more about Lag B'omer from Rabbi Amy & Rabbi Michael:
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