Lag BaOmer is Friday, May 16
From Passover to Shavuot, the Torah teaches that the days must be counted to prepare to receive the Torah. This counting is known as Sefirat HaOmer. It is a period marked by introspection and mourning, which is unexpectedly interrupted by a spark of joy on the 33rd day of the count—better known as Lag BaOmer.
It is a day when solemnity is broken, and the glow of bonfires, the sound of melodies, and the warmth of hope come into play, carrying a powerful and timely message.
On this date, two significant events are recalled:
- The end of a plague that took the lives of 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva.
- The passing of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who before his death revealed deep mystical teachings—considered by many as the beginning of Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism.
The passing of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who before his death revealed deep mystical teachings—considered by many as the beginning of Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism.
Rabbi Shimon asked that this day be remembered with joy, not sadness, since the light of Torah he shared continues to shine through the generations.
That light of Torah is Judaism’s eternal guide, especially in times of darkness. It brings clarity, strength, and hope, even in moments when life feels overwhelming. Every mitzvah, every moment of learning, and every act of kindness is a spark that lights the way.
In Tractate Shabbat 33b, it is told how Rabbi Shimon and his son hid in a cave for 12 years, fleeing Roman persecution. When they emerged, they were so spiritually elevated that Rabbi Shimon’s gaze burned everything he saw, unable to accept that people were engaged in worldly activities. A heavenly voice said to him, “Did you come out to destroy My world? Return to the cave.”
After another year of reflection, he emerged again—this time with compassion and perspective. He understood that the material world could be elevated, not rejected. His mission was to bring light into reality, not escape from it.
This message is truly meant for our days. We do not run from difficulty. We face it with faith, resilience, and above all, Torah. Just as Rabbi Shimon transformed exile into light, we too must turn pain into purpose.
Today more than ever, we face enormous challenges that demand that light. Brothers and sisters kidnapped in Gaza have still not returned home (I pray that by the time this article is published, the story has changed). Pain and uncertainty persist. But Lag BaOmer reminds that giving up is not an option. Just as Rabbi Akiva, despite the loss of his students, continued to teach Torah and raise new disciples, we too must continue—with faith, strength, and hope.
On Lag BaOmer, bonfires are lit to remember those who studied Torah in hiding. But today, those fires mean more than memory. They are flames of faith that those who are missing will soon return. They are a symbol of a brighter future, where peace and understanding are guiding pillars.
This Lag BaOmer, let us ignite not only fire—but our souls. May the Torah continue to be our guide, our strength, and our comfort. And may we soon see the day when all the hostages return home safely and healthy, so we may celebrate life, freedom, and the eternal light of the Jewish people.
Chag Sameach!!
Rabbi Ari Oliszewski is the rabbi at Temple Emanuel in Virginia Beach.