Lag B'Omer

What is Lag B'Omer? Understanding the 33rd Day of the Omer

Lag B'Omer is a unique and joyous respite within a somber period of the Jewish calendar. It is a minor religious holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the Omer, a 49-day counting period that begins on the second night of Passover and concludes with the festival of Shavuot. The name itself is a clever Hebrew wordplay: the Hebrew letters Lamed (representing the number 30) and Gimel (representing 3) are combined to form "Lag," signifying the 33rd day. This day stands in stark contrast to the weeks surrounding it, which are traditionally observed as a period of semi-mourning.

The essence of Lag B'Omer is one of renewal, joy, and resilience. During the preceding weeks of the Omer, many Jewish communities refrain from celebrations such as weddings, listening to live music, or getting haircuts. This period of reflection is rooted in tradition, commemorating a devastating plague that is said to have killed 24,000 students of the great sage Rabbi Akiva in the 2nd century CE. Lag B'Omer marks the day this plague ceased, allowing for a collective exhale and a return to celebration. It is a day where the restrictions of mourning are lifted, transforming the atmosphere from one of solemnity to one of communal festivity. The holiday serves as a powerful reminder of hope and the continuity of life and learning, even after profound tragedy.

Beyond the cessation of the plague, Lag B'Omer holds another profound significance. It is the yahrzeit, or anniversary of the passing, of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a pivotal figure in Jewish mysticism. He is traditionally credited with authoring the Zohar, the foundational text of Kabbalah. According to tradition, Rabbi Shimon revealed the deepest secrets of the Torah to his disciples on the day of his death, instructing them that this day should be a day of joy and celebration. This connection infuses Lag B'Omer with a mystical and spiritual dimension, linking it to themes of divine light and revelation. The combination of these historical and spiritual events creates a holiday that is both deeply meaningful and lighthearted, celebrated with outdoor gatherings, picnics, and, most iconically, bonfires.

When is Lag B'Omer in 2026?

Lag B'Omer is determined by the Hebrew calendar, which is lunisolar, meaning its date on the Gregorian calendar shifts each year. The holiday is fixed to the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. In the year 2026, Lag B'Omer will begin at sundown on Monday, May 4th, and will conclude at nightfall on Tuesday, May 5th. For those in Australia, the holiday will be observed throughout the day on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

This date is variable in relation to the Gregorian calendar we use daily, but it is always the 33rd day of the Omer count. For anyone marking the holiday, the key is to count the days from Passover. In 2026, the first day of the Omer will be on April 14th, making the 33rd day fall on May 5th. From today, there are 77 days remaining until the holiday begins at sundown, providing ample time for communities and families to prepare for the celebrations.

The Historical and Religious Significance of the Day

The history of Lag B'Omer is a tapestry woven from tragedy, triumph, and mystical revelation. The most prominent narrative is the story of Rabbi Akiva, one of the most important sages in Jewish history, who lived during the period of Roman rule over Judea. He had 24,000 students, a vast academy of learning that was the centre of Jewish intellectual life. However, a terrible plague swept through the academy, and, according to the Talmud, the students all died between Passover and Shavuot because they did not show sufficient respect for one another. This event cast a long shadow over the entire Omer period. The plague is said to have finally stopped on the 33rd day, Lag B'Omer, which is why this day is marked as a break in the mourning customs. It is a day to celebrate the restoration of harmony and respect within the Jewish community.

The other central figure of Lag B'Omer is Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. He was a 2nd-century Tanna, a sage of the Mishnaic period, and a secret mystic who lived during a time of intense Roman persecution. He is revered as the father of Kabbalah for supposedly writing the Zohar, the "Splendour," the most important work of Jewish mysticism. According to Kabbalistic tradition, Rabbi Shimon's revelation of the Zohar's secrets brought an unprecedented level of divine light into the world. He is said to have asked his students to mark the day of his death not as a day of sadness, but as a day of joy, a "hillula" (a wedding-like celebration). This tradition is the origin of the joyous bonfires and festive meals that characterise the holiday. The bonfires, in particular, are meant to symbolise the light of his wisdom and the spiritual fire of the Zohar that he revealed to the world.

A third, more modern historical connection is to the Bar Kokhba Revolt. In the 2nd century CE, the Jewish leader Simon Bar Kokhba led a rebellion against the Roman Empire. Rabbi Akiva was one of his most fervent supporters, believing Bar Kokhba could be the Messiah. Lag B'Omer is sometimes associated with a key battle or a strategic pause during this revolt, representing Jewish resilience and the fight for freedom. While this link is less prominent in religious texts than the other two, it adds a layer of nationalistic pride and determination to the holiday's character. Together, these stories create a multi-layered holiday that commemorates the end of a plague, celebrates the life and legacy of a great mystic, and honours the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.

How Australians Celebrate Lag B'Omer: Traditions and Customs

In Australia, as in Jewish communities worldwide, Lag B'Omer is a day of community, family, and outdoor fun. The traditions are a blend of ancient customs and modern, family-friendly activities. The most iconic tradition, bonfires, is adapted to the Australian context. While in Israel, massive bonfires light up the hillsides, particularly at the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, in Australia the celebrations are more local and community-focused. Synagogues, Jewish community centres, and youth groups like Bnei Akiva often organise bonfire events in parks or designated areas, adhering to local fire safety regulations. These bonfires are not just for warmth; they are a symbolic act, a modern echo of the spiritual light Rabbi Shimon brought into the world.

Picnics and outdoor outings are the centrepiece of the day for most families. With autumn in full swing across Australia, the weather is often mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for a day at the park or a bushwalk. It's common to see Jewish families gathered on picnic blankets, enjoying a festive meal. The food is often simple, casual, and perfect for an outdoor setting, with barbecues being a popular choice. This emphasis on being outdoors connects the celebration to the natural world and the themes of renewal and spring that are also associated with the Omer period.

Another key custom observed on Lag B'Omer is the resumption of activities that were suspended during the Omer. For many, this is the first opportunity in weeks to have a wedding or a large celebratory gathering. It's also a popular day for parents to give their young sons their first haircut at the age of three, a tradition known as an "upsherin," which is now often scheduled for Lag B'Omer. For older boys and men, it's the day they can finally get a haircut or trim their beards after weeks of abstaining. These acts symbolise a return to normalcy and celebration, marking the day as a turning point in the calendar. The atmosphere is one of relief and happiness, with children playing games, often with toy bows and arrows, a tradition linked to the idea that the plague affecting Rabbi Akiva's students was related to a lack of honour, which children's games symbolise.

Practical Information for Experiencing Lag B'Omer in Australia

For visitors, newcomers, or expatriates in Australia wanting to experience Lag B'Omer, the best approach is to connect with the local Jewish community. The holiday is not a commercial or tourist event, so you won't find large-scale public celebrations organised by city councils. Instead, the events are community-driven. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, which have the largest Jewish populations in the country, you can find celebrations by checking the websites or social media pages of local synagogues, Chabad houses, and Jewish community organisations such as JewishCare. These groups will announce details for their communal bonfires, picnics, and family days closer to the date.

If you are invited to a private celebration or decide to host one yourself, it's important to be mindful of a few things. First, fire safety is paramount. In Australia, strict regulations govern open fires, especially in public parks. Always check with the local council for permits and fire bans before planning a bonfire. A safer and more common alternative for private gatherings is a barbecue, which captures the communal, outdoor cooking spirit of the holiday. The food served is typically kosher and often vegetarian, reflecting the day's customs, and might include classic picnic fare as well as Israeli-inspired dishes like falafel, hummus, and grilled meats.

Dress for a Lag B'Omer celebration is generally casual and comfortable, suitable for an outdoor setting. If the event is held in a synagogue or a more formal community hall, it is respectful to dress modestly. For non-Jewish participants, it is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Jewish culture in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The focus is on community and shared joy, so you can expect a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. The key is to remember that Lag B'Omer is a day of celebration, not solemnity. It's a day for families to be together, for communities to strengthen their bonds, and for everyone to enjoy a welcome break from the reflective period of the Omer, embracing the light, warmth, and joy that the holiday represents.

Is Lag B'Omer a Public Holiday in Australia?

No, Lag B'Omer is not a public holiday in Australia. It is a religious observance for the Jewish community and does not affect the general public. All businesses, government offices, public schools, and universities will operate on their normal schedules. Public transport will run as usual, and standard trading hours will apply for shops and other services.

For members of the Jewish community, it is a significant day, but it is not a "day off" in the sense of a public holiday like Anzac Day or Christmas Day. Those who work or study in secular environments will typically need to take the day off as annual leave if they wish to observe the holiday fully, or they may attend community events in the evening after work or school. The lack of public holiday status means that the celebrations are contained within the Jewish community itself, making them feel more intimate and community-focused rather than being a national event. The fact that it is a normal working day for most Australians underscores that it is a specific religious and cultural observance, celebrated by a minority community but an important part of Australia's multicultural tapestry.