Lag BaOmer for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Tuesday, May 9th. There are until the next observance.

The Jewish liturgical festival Lag BaOmer falls on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. It also refers to the 33rd day of the Omer. The Talmud says that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai died on Lag BaOmer, and the festival commemorates the “day of his joy” as he educated his followers. Furthermore, it commemorates the end of an epidemic that happened during Rabbi Akiva’s lifetime.

📆 When is Lag BaOmer?

This year, Lag BaOmer is on May 9th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in May; in 2024, it is on Thursday.

Countdown to Lag BaOmer

Did you know: Some people consume carob fruit to remember the miraculous growth of a carob tree at the entrance of Rabbi Shimon’s cave.

You can also see all interesting things you didn’t know about and facts about May 9, 2023.

📜 History of Lag BaOmer

While the actual date of the festival is unknown, it has been mentioned as early as the 15th century. Two noteworthy occurrences occur during Lag Baomer. The first was the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. He was the first person to openly teach the mystical layer of the Torah known as Kabbalah, and he even wrote the classic Kabbalah tract, the Zohar. People honor Rabbi Shimon and the mystical spirit of the Torah.

Another rationale for its observance comes from the Talmud, which states that a disease killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students during this season because they did not treat one another with respect. The pupils and their punishment are remembered during the semi-mourning phase. This disease ended on Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the Omer, and it became a cheerful day, marking a 24-hour respite in the time of sorrow.

Lag Baomer has evolved into a minor holiday that is observed in a variety of ways. It is a day when Jewish marriages, bonfires, and even haircuts are held. Many individuals also participate in sports or go on picnics to celebrate with their families.

☑️ Lag BaOmer facts

Eating dyed eggs
Many people even eat hard-boiled eggs colored with onion skin colors to symbolize the day’s dual character: the eggs symbolize grief, while the colors bring a celebratory mood.

Pour a drink
Visitors to Rabbi Shimon’s tomb also take home 18 rotel of drink, which is an old unit of liquid measurement equal to about 54 liters.

A walk in the park
People gather in parks or open fields to commemorate Lag Baomer.

Things to do on Lag BaOmer

Go for a picnic
Lag BaOmer is the one day of festivity during the semi-mourning season. Go on a little picnic with your family and participate in some outdoor sports and activities. You may even consume certain typical foods on this day, such as kebabs, eggplant salad, potato salad, and so on.

Light a bonfire
Lighting a campfire is a key part of Lag BaOmer celebrations. If you don’t have the room, pay your homage to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai at an outdoor campfire.

Get a haircut
Have you been putting off getting a haircut for a long time? Lag BaOmer is a great day to cross something off your list because one of the ways to commemorate this day is to get a haircut!

📅 Lag BaOmer Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 May 9 Tuesday
2024 May 9 Thursday
2025 May 9 Friday
2026 May 9 Saturday
2027 May 9 Sunday

Explore all May holidays, including Religious and other Festivities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Lag BaOmer. So be sure to check back soon.