Lag B’Omer takes place on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer. It is celebrated and commemorated this year on the evening of Thursday, May 15th and on Friday May 16th.
It is marked by jubilation, joy and festivity following a period of semi-mourning. It commemorates the end of a devastating plague that killed 24,000 students and disciples of Rabbi Akiva as well as the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the author of the Zohar, and when Bar Kokhba fought against the Romans during the Bar Kokhba Revolt which lasted from 132 to 135 CE.
As we know, there are a wide variety of fascinating customs, minhagim, and inspiring ceremonies that take place during Lag B’Omer.
In addition to concluding a brief period of semi-mourning which began with the counting of Sefirat HaOmer, many people build bonfires, attend cook-outs, participate on hiking trips, share stories of heroism and enjoy the outdoors.
One of the most exciting, meaningful and exhilarating Lag B’Omer activities (for those living in Israel) is the annual pilgrimage to Har Meron, in the upper Galil, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s resting place.
On Lag B’Omer, Har Meron is transformed into a massive sea of visitors from throughout the world. A sight of unimaginable magnitude. In fact, the tremendous volume of visitors who visit the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Ben Yochai on Har Meron has created a daunting security and safety challenge for Israeli authorities.
When researching the historical events which occured on Lag B’Omer and those which are now attributed to the holiday, the findings are beyond astonishing and inspiring.
As a child, Lag B’Omer was all about school trips, BBQ’s , bow and arrow contests and the building of hugh supervised bonfires and storytelling..
Today, as adults, when we delve a bit deeper into the historical significance of the holiday, we have these fond and beautiful memories; but what also emerges are a host of new inspiring events which impact acheinu beit yisrael in a variety of remarkable ways.
The lighting of bonfires, on Lag B’Omer symbolizes the fires that were set by Rabbi Shimon when he left the cave after hiding in it for 12 years in order to avoid Roman persecution. We actually read that following a long and difficult battle, the troops of Bar Kochba also emerged from their caves and lit fires in the evening to inform fellow fighters that they were indeed alive and that they survived the battle.
The stories and events of Lag B’Omer are that of profound faith in HaShem, heroism, martyrdom and gevurah – strength
In fact, one of the most inspiring and unknown facts about Lag B’Omer is that on that very day, the Israel Defense Forces was officially established in 1948 coinciding with the declaration of the State of Israel.
This fact was no coincidence or accident as Lag B’Omer is a day that is associated with the end of a plague that affected Rabbi Akiva’s students and with the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai both of whom are closely linked to the spirit of Jewish resilience, steadfastness and resistance.
It is also no coincidence that the establishment of the IDF’s predecessor divisions – the Palmach and Hagana, also occurred on Lag B’Omer. This further reinforces our connection between the Chag, and the military prowess of the IDF and that of our nation.
The popular phrase – Mi K’Amcha Yisrael means exactly what it suggests – who is like you Israel. We are indeed a nation of strength, resilience, bitachon in HaShem and achdut. And the holiday of Lag B’Omer is proof positive in support of this aspiration and reality.
Finally, Lag B’Omer by virtue of its relationship to these and other events, symbolizes and the importance of Zionut (Zionism), Jewish peoplehood and identity, as well as its relevance to Eretz Yisrael, Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael.
This Lag B’Omer takes place almost 19th months since the bloody massacre of October 7th. It also suggests that our precious Jewish country is in somewhat of state of limbo as we yearn for shalom, achdut and a bright light at the end of a long and arduous dark tunnel.
With our precious hostages still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza and the possibility of an imminent IDF ground incursion into Gaza, we must continue to think about the profound significance of Lag B’Omer and its relationship to our existential well being.
It may not be one on the Shalosh Regamilm or even close to the biblical or religious nature of other chaggim, but it does nevertheless resonate loud and clear that acheinu bnei yisrael are courageous, resilience, and with HaShem’s help will succeed in victory over our enemies..
Celebrating Lag B’Omer during this defining moment in our history, serves as a stark reminder that we are indeed a mamlechet kohanim, and an ohr laGoyim. We must continue on our path to glory and victory on behalf of our people and for those generations that follow.
In several weeks, we celebrate Chag Shavuot. What better reminder and example that we stand together in strength and achdut than to celebrate the giving of our precious Torah to bnai yisreal.
The fusing of Lag B’Omer with the significance of Chag Shavuot is a very inspiring and powerful thought. It is one which should infuse and empower us with, hope, resilience and joy.
