Over the past two millennia, many traditions have developed around Lag BaOmer (in English: the thirty-third day of the Omer), but one thing is certain: the 33rd day of the Omer count, which lasts from Passover to Shavuot, is a day of multiple celebrations.

In ancient Israel, the barley harvest began on the second day of Passover, and on this day the counting of the Omer began. The days (and weeks) are counted by setting aside one ear of grain each day, and when seven ears have been collected, they are woven into a sheaf (in Hebrew: omer). During a particularly severe epidemic, 24,000 of Rabbi Akiba's disciples, who lived 2,000 years ago, died during the weeks of counting the Omer, but according to tradition, no one died on the 33rd day of the Omer. This is one of the reasons for the celebration.

Perhaps Rabbi Akiva's most famous disciple was Simon bar Yochai, the alleged author of the Zohar, which enjoys great popularity even today. He wanted his disciples not to be sad on the day of his death, but to have fun—and since Simon bar Yochai is said to have died on Lag BaOmer, we should rejoice in his memory.

(Source: internet)

Our community celebrated this holiday as faithfully as possible to tradition.

Special thanks to those who contributed to the good mood: C.Grün Simona, Simion Ildikó, Rosenberg Dezső, Nagy Albert!

D.Gh.

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