Lag B'Omer in United KingdomQuick FactsMany Jewish people in the United Kingdom observe Lag B’Omer on the 18th day of the month of Iyar in the Jewish calendar.NameLag B'OmerLag B'Omer 2010Sunday, May 2, 2010Lag B'Omer 2011Sunday, May 22, 2011Note: Many Jewish holidays begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday. See list of observations below Many Jewish people in the United Kingdom observe Lag B’Omer, also known as Lag BaOmer, on the 18th day of the month of Iyar in the Jewish calendar. The name of this observance means refers to the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer.
 Some Jewish communities in the United Kingdom organize social events with activities, such as bonfires, on Lag B'Omer. ©iStockphoto.com/sandsun What do people do?Lag B’Omer is generally a day of celebration and joy for many Jewish people in the United Kingdom. This is because the mourning practices that occur during the Omer period are lifted on this date. It is also a day for many Jewish people to remember and celebrate their heritage. Popular Lag B’Omer events include a barbecue at a park where people can socialize, eat food, and enjoy the fresh air. Entertainment at these events may include model car races or art activities for children. Children’s parades and fairs may also be held on this day. Public lifeLag B’Omer is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom so many Lag B’Omer events are held after school or work hours (if not during the weekend), usually in the afternoon or early evening. Government offices, organizations, public transit services, and educational institutions operate to their usual schedules. BackgroundThe name of this Jewish observance refers to the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer. An “omer” refers to a sheaf of barley or wheat. In the book of Leviticus, it is written that God commanded people to make an offering of a sheaf of barley on each of the 50 days between Passover and Shavuot. The day number was announced after the evening service, and in time this ceremony came to be known as the “counting of the Omer”. The reason why the 33rd day of this period was singled out may have something to do with an ancient pagan festival that was celebrated at the same time. Another story claims that a plague attacked Rabbi Akiba’s students in the second century CE suddenly stopped on this day. Many Jewish people also mark this date by remembering the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who was one of Rabbi Akiva's students. In any case, this observance represents a break in the season between Passover and Shavuot. About Lag B'Omer in other countriesRead more about Lag B'Omer.Lag B'Omer ObservancesNote: Many Jewish holidays begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday.
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