About Lag BaOmer
Lag b’Omer, a holiday when observant Jews get a one-day break from an annual prohibition on celebrations. The holiday, which commemorates the end of a plague that killed thousands of an ancient rabbi’s students, is historically a popular wedding date, with large parties taking place throughout Israel and observant Jewish communities around the world.
Lag BaOmer commemorates the anniversary of the passing of the great sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a seminal figure in the development of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) and the enlightenment that he brought to the Jewish people in the form of his teachings. Rabbi Bar Yochai had a considerable impact on Judaism and is praised for his contribution to the formation of the mystical Kabbalah stream of the religion.
Lighting bonfires is one of the ancient traditions carried out during Lag BaOmer. The fires are supposed to represent the light, Rabbi Bar Yochai’s teachings have ignited in the world. The holiday takes place on Lyar 18, the 33rd day of the Omer, which is the period between the second day of Passover and Shavuot.
The holiday has gained much popularity in recent years, largely due to the efforts of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—to promote grand parades of Jewish pride.
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