What is Lag Ba’Omer
Lag Ba’Omer represents the 18th day of the month of Iyar and the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer. The day is observed as a Yom Hilula in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. The day is celebrated with special festivity.
The occasion is especially marked by the rejoicing which takes place in Meron, the burial place of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. The character of the day is wrapped in mystery.
There is an ancient tradition that the demise of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai occurred on Lag Ba’Omer, and that day was filled with a great light of endless joy through the secret wisdom which he revealed to his students on that day.
Customs
- S’fardim wait until the day after Lag B’Omer to shave and have haircuts.
- This year since Lag B’Omer is on Friday they may shave and have a haircut on Lag B’Omer L’Kvod Shabbos.
- The Chasam Sofer (Tshuvos Y.D. 233 and in Chidushai Chasam Sofer Shabbos Daf 87) brings from the Midrash thatthe Mann began to fall in the Midbar on Lag B’omer.
- You should daven on Lag B’omer for Hazlocha in business and to have Parnossa B’revach.
Question: Can you shave, have a haircut Thursday night since Lag B’Omer is on Friday this year or should you wait till the morning of Lag B’omer as you usually do?
Answer: The R’mo (493:2) says that you should not have a haircut (or shave) till the morning of Lag B’omer.
- The Mishna Brurah brings that some Achronim permit having a haircut/shave, the night of Lag B’Omer.
- When Lag B’Omer falls during this week it is preferable (if it is not very difficult) to wait till the morning to shave and have a haircut.
- This year since Lag B’omer is on Friday if it is inconvenient to shave or have a haircut on Friday you may have it Thursday night.
- Music has the same Halocho as haircuts and it is preferable to wait till the morning of Lag B’Omer to play and listen to music. Many allow playing/listening to music and dancing in honour of Reb Shimon Bar Yochai.