How to Celebrate Lag Ba'Omer

Lag Ba'Omer generally occurs sometime in May. It's the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer, which runs from the second night of Passover to the day before Shavuot. The counting of the Omer was connected to agricultural practices that were discontinued after the destruction of the Temple. However, Lag Ba'Omer also celebrates the work of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare a picnic lunch for your Lag Ba'Omer celebrations. The holiday is a time to be outdoors with family and friends. It should be a joyous time, especially for children.

2. Pick a quiet place where you can celebrate undisturbed. It's best to be near a forest or woods where you can gather branches and logs for the bonfire. A bonfire is traditional on this holiday.

3. Send the children to gather wood for the bonfire if you're in an appropriate place. Bring carts or wagons to help in their labor. It's a treat for them as it makes them an important part of the celebration.

4. Bring baseballs and bats or a soccer ball. Organize a game where everyone can play. Remember this is a holiday so minimize the competition. Instead, emphasize the experience of play.

5. Light the bonfire after the meal at dusk. Take the usual fire-lighting precautions so this day of celebration doesn't turn into a tragedy. In particular, keep the kids away from the fire.

6. Dance around the bonfire. Sing songs of celebration in Hebrew and English. Pray to God if you feel moved to do so.

7. Visit Meron in Israel, the burial place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. He survived many hardships and passed "The Zohar," mystical teachings, onto generations of Jews upon his death. Lag Ba'Omer celebrates this great gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Playing games is part of celebrating Lag Ba'Omer, so if you can't get outdoors, try some word games on the Internet (see links in Resources).
• Some Jews color eggs as part of their Lag Ba'Omer celebrations. This has no connection to Easter or pagan customs so don't feel uncomfortable doing this.