If you’ve spotted kids gathering random planks of wood off the streets and stuffing them into “borrowed” supermarket trolleys these last few days, you shouldn’t worry. These kids are getting ready for Lag B’Omer, which officially kicks in tonight.
I’m not sure you’ll see too much evidence of this holiday in the city centres, but step out into the suburbs and you’ll spot the tell-tale signs of billowing smoke from countless bonfires.
This holiday is one for the kids, and you’ll see them huddled round their little (and sometimes even huuuge) bonfires until the wee hours. The main source of food for the night seems to be potatoes wrapped in silver foil and strategically placed in the bonfire, perhaps a few marshmallows for the little ones. Is this where the Israeli male picks up his first BBQ cooking lesson?
According to the Torah, Jews are supposed to count the days between Passover and Shavu’ot (article to come!), coming in June. This period is known as the Counting of the Omer (an omer is a unit of measure). This counting of days is to remind Jews of the link between Passover, which celebrates the Exodus, and Shavu’ot, which celebrates the giving of the Torah, reminding Jews that the redemption from slavery was not complete until the Torah was received.
This period is actually a period of mourning for Jews, and weddings, parties, dinners with dancing, and even haircuts are not permitted. The 33rd day (“Lag” means 33 in Hebrew) of the Omer is a minor holiday, known as Lag b’Omer. Mourning practices are lifted and partying allowed.
Why the bonfires? The fires are apparently a symbol of the light of the Torah, so go get burning!