Learning for Lag B’Omer

The ritual of counting the Omer takes place over 7 weeks (from 2nd night Pesach until Shavuot). The mitzva involves the careful, methodical counting up each night with a bracha (or during the daytime, without a bracha). It is customary to abstain from certain practices that bring overt joy during this period, such as listening to live music, buying and wearing new clothes, and getting a haircut. This subdued way of living is in remembrance of the thousands of students of Rabbi Akiva, who were said to have died during the Omer, because they ‘could not speak to each other with honour.’

On the 33rd day of the Omer, however, (Lag b'Omer) we break out into joy, traditionally with music, feasts, and bonfires, in honour of the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who was one of Rabbi Akiva's greatest students. Symbolically, the bonfires and torches lit on this day represent the impact of his teachings. What is the interplay between 49 days of subdued behaviour and ritual daily counting, and joyous bonfires on the 33rd day? Perhaps Rabbi Sacks said it best:

Precisely because it gives rise to such intense passions, the religious life in particular needs the constraints of law and ritual, the entire intricate minuet of worship, so that the fire of faith is contained, giving light and a glimpse of the glory of God. Otherwise it can eventually become a raging inferno, spreading destruction and claiming lives.

After many centuries in the West, we have tamed enthusiasm to the point where we can think of it as a positive force. We should never forget, however, that it was not always so. That is why Judaism contains so many laws and so much attention to detail – and the closer we come to God, the more we need.

The Dangers of Enthusiasm, Shemini, Covenant & Conversation

The counting of the Omer is discussed by Rabbi Sacks in this fascinating video shiur to Bnei Akiva entitled, The Omer Controversy, or read Counting Time.

Download our Omer calendar for 2025 here >
Or explore answers to a new Jewish question, learning with Rabbi Sacks as you count each day, here >

For more on the mystical teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, watch the Rabbi Sacks video, A Mystical Covenant, and read the Rabbi Sacks essay, The Practical Implications of Infinity.

For more on the idea of speaking to each other with kavod (unlike the 12,000 pairs of students of Rabbi Akiva who perished), and maintaining Jewish Peoplehood, watch the Rabbi Sacks video.

At the completion of our 49 days of counting, we reach the festival of Shavuot. We then celebrate the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, and it is customary to learn Torah through the night. Our growing bank of Tikkun Leil Shavuot resources includes options for students, teenagers, and adults.