Lag B'Omer in United Kingdom

Many Jewish people in the United Kingdom observe Lag B’Omer, also known as Lag BaOmer, on the 18th day of the month of Iyar in the Jewish calendar. The name of this observance means refers to the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer.

Some Jewish communities organize bonfires on Lag B'Omer.

©iStockphoto.com/Greg Nicholas

What do people do?

Lag B’Omer is generally a day of celebration and joy for many Jewish people in the United Kingdom. This is because the mourning practices that occur during the Omer period are lifted on this date. It is also a day for many Jewish people to remember and celebrate their heritage.

Popular Lag B’Omer events include a barbecue at a park where people can socialize, eat food, and enjoy the fresh air. Entertainment at these events may include model car races or art activities for children. Children’s parades and fairs may also be held on this day.

Public life

Lag B’Omer is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom so many Lag B’Omer events are held after school or work hours (if not during the weekend), usually in the afternoon or early evening. Government offices, organizations, public transit services, and educational institutions operate to their usual schedules.

Background

The name of this Jewish observance refers to the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer. An “omer” refers to a sheaf of barley or wheat. In the book of Leviticus, it is written that God commanded people to make an offering of a sheaf of barley on each of the 50 days between Passover and Shavuot. The day number was announced after the evening service, and in time this ceremony came to be known as the “counting of the Omer”.

The reason why the 33rd day of this period was singled out may have something to do with an ancient pagan festival that was celebrated at the same time. Another story claims that a plague attacked Rabbi Akiba’s students in the second century CE suddenly stopped on this day. Many Jewish people also mark this date by remembering the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who was one of Rabbi Akiva's students. In any case, this observance represents a break in the season between Passover and Shavuot.

About Lag B'Omer in other countries

Lag B'Omer Observances

Other holidays in April 2013 in United Kingdom

• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 1, 2013
• Last day of Passover ―Tuesday, April 2, 2013
• Yom HaShoah ―Monday, April 8, 2013
• Yom HaAtzmaut ―Tuesday, April 16, 2013
• St. George's Day ―Tuesday, April 23, 2013
• Shakespeare Day ―Tuesday, April 23, 2013