LAG B’OMER

[Dr Denis O'Callaghan]

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .

Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it!

LAG B’OMER

"And from the day on which you bring the sheaf of Elevation Offering — the day after the Sabbath — you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 15 Tanakh, Torah]

Lag b'Omer means "the 33rd day of the (counting of the) Omer." The Omer (a unit of measure) was a Barley Offering, which was brought in the Temple on the day we start counting, the second day of Passover, to the day before Shavuoth, seven full weeks. This period is known as the "Counting of the Omer." {Lag b’Omer this year is May 10, 2012, 18 Iyar 5772 on the Hebrew Calendar.}

Every night, from the second night of Passover to the night before Shavuot, we recite a mitzvah (blessing) and state the count of the Omer in both weeks and days. The counting is intended to remind us of the link between Passover, which commemorates the Exodus, and Shavuoth (Pentecost), which commemorates the giving of the TORAH. It reminds us that the redemption from slavery was not complete until we received the TORAH (The Law).

Lag b'Omer is the 33rd day of counting the Omer. The word "lag" means "33" as it is comprised of the Hebrew letters lamud and gimmel corresponding to the numerical values of thirty and three. The Omer Period is a time of heightened spiritual sensitivity and growth. The closer Shavuot (Pentecost) draws, the greater our anticipation grows for the climactic celebration of the "GIVING OF THE TORAH" — the watershed (dividing) event of Jewish history.

However, the greater the potential there is for growth and building, the greater the potential for destruction. Consequently, in eras when the Jewish People have not lived up to their potential, the Omer Period has become one of tragedy: In the time of Rabbi Akiva, who witnessed the destruction of the Second Temple and who was the greatest TORAH Sage of his generation from the era of the MISHNAH; 24,000 of his disciples died in an epidemic. The underlying spiritual cause of the epidemic was the student's lack of respect for each other. This sad event and others took place during the Counting of the Omer. As a result, the Omer Period has become one of semi-mourning in which we don't hold weddings or festivities, nor do we shave or get haircuts. But because the epidemic was suspended on the 33rd day, Lag b'Omer — Lag b'Omer (18th day of Iyar — Sunday, May 22 this year) has become a joyous day of celebration, a minor holiday commemorating a break in the plague.

After all his students died, Rabbi Akiva started over and began teaching other students. One of his foremost students was Rabbi Shimon bar-Yochai, the author of the ZOHAR. The ZOHAR (interpreted: "The Shining Light"), is the basis of the secret teachings of the TORAH. Some people light bonfires on Lag b'Omer and sing songs in honour of Rabbi Shimon bar-Yochai, who revealed the teachings of the ZOHAR to the world on Lag b'Omer.

In Israel, there are picnics, feasting, dancing, singing, and bonfires are lit — an unusual memorial but one that the rabbi instructed his students to observe. Many people wait until their son is three before cutting his hair, and on the Lag b'Omer of his third year, they cut the boy's hair. There is also a custom that children play with bows (keshet in Hebrew — the same word as rainbow) on Lag b'Omer. And of recent, it is a national day honoring Israeli Defense Force reserve soldiers, in appreciation for their motivation and willingness to share the load.

As believers in MESSIAH YESHUA, the LORD GOD ETERNAL, we can celebrate the GREAT KEEPER OF THE VINEYARD, for HE carries all our burdens and has set us free as we release our heavy load of sin to HIM.