Lag Ba'Omer is one of the oldest Jewish holidays, celebrated on the 18th of the month of Iyar. This year, according to the Gregorian calendar, the holiday falls on May 5.
The name of the holiday consists of two words – “lag” and “omer”, which means “33 days from the beginning of the Omer” (the oral count of forty-nine days between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot).
The main event that determined the meaning of this holiday was the cessation of the epidemic that claimed the lives of 24 thousand students of the great sage and systematizer of the Torah, Rabbi Akiva.
Rabbi Akiva, according to the Talmud, had 24,000 disciples, who gathered for their secret meetings, despite the harsh Roman prohibitions, and continued to study the Torah. But, between Passover and Shavuot, all but five of them died in an epidemic. It is generally believed that the epidemic lasted 33 days and ended on the day of Lag ba-Omer. Among the surviving disciples was Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi), the author of the book "Zohar". The 33rd day of the Omer is also considered the day of his death. The day of the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was filled with light like no other day, as stated in the book of Zohar. Rashbi commanded that the day of his death should not be a day of mourning and sadness, but, on the contrary, a day of joy and merriment.
That is why there is a custom to light many candles on this day in synagogues and yeshivahs, so that by their light one can study the teachings of Rabbi Shimon, tell stories that glorify him, and sing songs composed in his honor.
On this day, huge bonfires are lit everywhere in honor of Shimon bar Yochai. On Lag Ba-Omer, many people visit Mount Meron near the city of Safed, where the grave of the great philosopher and ascetic Rabbi Shimon is located. Picnics and rides are organized everywhere, archery is shot in honor of the Bar Kokhba rebels*, and children's parades are held.
It is advisable to celebrate this day in a large company, feeling the joy of communication. And do not forget about love for your neighbor, because love is a universal key that opens any locked door. This is what the wise Rashbi taught! And at the same time, he taught the greatness of every person, as part of G-d's creation.
We wish all who celebrate Lag BaOmer to find the spark of G-d within themselves and in the souls of others. May it ignite feelings of love and respect for others, reminding us of the true spiritual meaning of the holiday!
Miracles may be closer than you think!
* The Bar Kokhba Revolt was a Jewish uprising against the Romans under Emperor Hadrian, in 132–136 AD, led by Shimon Bar Kokhba. It is believed that the revolt began on Lag Ba-Omer