Lag B'Omer

Lag B’Omer is a joyful Jewish holiday that takes place in the springtime. The meaning of “Lag” is “thirty-three,” derived from gematria, a system of associating each Hebrew letter with a number. “B’Omer” means “of the Omer,” the Omer being the forty-nine day period between Passover and Shavuot. Thus, Lag B’Omer is the thirty-third day of this period.

Video
Learn to count the Omer

At a Glance

What is Lag B’Omer?

A holiday that occurs on the 33rd day of counting the Omer.

When is Lag B’Omer?

Lag B’Omer begins in the evening on Monday, May 4, 2026 and runs until after sundown on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

What do people do on Lag B’Omer?

Lag B’Omer is a joyful holiday during an otherwise serious time. People get together for barbecues, children play with bows and arrows, some communities have parades and bonfires too. Many people also choose Lag B’Omer as a date for weddings, first haircuts, and other milestones.

How do you prepare for Lag B’Omer?

From the second night of Passover until Shavuot, many Jewish people count the omer, a special period of 49 days. Lag B’Omer falls on the 33rd day of this count.

Downloadables

Omer Challenges Booklet

Activities, Recipes, Audio, and More

Use the tiles to find book lists, how-tos, podcast episodes, and other resources to learn about and celebrate Lag B’Omer.

Audio
Podcasts, songs, playlists and more!
Stories
Find books about Lag B’Omer plus folktales to read during the holiday
More
Find more resources

Celebrations and Traditions

How to Count the Omer
Learn how to count the Omer.
Who Was Rabbi Akiva?
On Lag B’Omer we remember two ancient rabbis, both of whom lived in a time when the Romans ruled the land of Israel: Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
Who Was Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai?
A short biography of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s life.
We’ll Help You Make a Passover Party Plan!
Our Get Together program helps PJ Library subscribers host meaningful Jewish gatherings with friends. You invite some people you love, we’ll provide ideas, tips, even reimbursement for rubber frogs and chocolate-covered matzah if you’d like.

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