Lag BaOmer
Lag BaOmer, minor Jewish observance falling on the 33rd day in the period of the counting of the ʿomer (“barley sheaves”), a period of semi-mourning that lasts for the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot. On the Jewish calendar, the holiday falls on the 18th day of the month of Iyyar (April or May). On this day the semi-mourning ceases and weddings and haircuts, otherwise forbidden among observant Jews during this time, are allowed. Practitioners also light bonfires to celebrate this festive holiday. The name of the holiday derives from the period of counting barley sheaves (ʿomer) and lag comes from the Hebrew numerals for 33, which is represented by the Hebrew letters lamed (ל; l) and gimel (ג; g).
Citation Information
Article Title:
Lag BaOmer
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
09 May 2025
Access Date:
July 22, 2025