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Mem Moment | The Many Meanings of Lag BaOmer
Lag BaOmer “33rd of the Omer”
Lag BaOmer is a minor holiday that occurs on the 33rd day of the Omer, the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. The period of the Omer is traditionally considered a time of mourning, but Lag BaOmer is a break from the mourning. And one of my favorite things about LBO is the diversity of meanings it’s been given.
- For mystics, Lag BaOmer is the anniversary of the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who is said to have authored the Zohar, the main text of Kabbalah. This holiday is then a time to study mystic wisdom, the unity underlying all creation, and draw close to the divine.
- For students and teachers, it’s a reminder of a plague, brought about by lack of mutual respect, that caused the death of thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students. According to this tradition, the plague ended on Lag BaOmer, so the day should be celebrated with acts of kindness, respect, and mutual aid.
- For history nerds, Lag BaOmer is an opportunity to learn about the Bar Kochba revolt, the last major Jewish rebellion against the Roman Empire. For three years, Simon bar Kochba and his rebels held an independent state in Judea before the revolt was ultimately crushed by the Romans, marking a decisive end to Jewish rule in the land of Israel. Signal fires, bows & arrows, and hikes are all ways to commemorate this event.
- For Zionists, it symbolizes the Jewish fighting spirit. Added to the Bar Kochba story are other accounts such as Masada, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, and the Palmach which are seen as heroic examples of Jewish fighting and resistance.
- For nature lovers, Lag BaOmer is a time to celebrate the beginning of summer and the beauty of the outdoors: hikes, picnics, and bonfires are all great ways to mark this holiday.
- And for those who treat the Omer as a Jewish version of No Shave November, Lag BaOmer’s pause in restrictions makes it the perfect time to trim your beard or get a haircut.
So whether you’re inclined to meditate or smell the flowers, aim your bow or shave your mustache, Lag BaOmer has a little something for everyone. What a great way to celebrate the season!