Lag B’Omer may not be one of the most well-known Jewish holidays, but Jewish organizations across Baltimore are preparing to host community gatherings and events for the May 9 holiday. Parades, bonfires and more are staples of Lag B’Omer, which many now hold as an important day for unity and understanding in the Jewish community.
The exact origins of the holiday are unclear, with two prevailing theories being the most popular explanation for how it started. The first is that it honors the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who taught the Kabbalah and is credited with writing one of its most foundational texts, the Zohar. Chabad.org explains that Yochai told his disciples to mark the date of his death as the “day of [his] joy,” and that it celebrates his achievements and teachings.
The other most common explanation is that Lag B’Omer is in fact related to another famous rabbi: Rabbi Akiva, who would later teach Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Myjewishlearning.com tells the story of a plague that ripped through Akiva’s students because they behaved poorly toward each other and did not show respect. While the Omer mourns these deaths, Lag B’Omer marks the day they stopped, being a cause for happiness and celebration during the otherwise-somber Omer.
One popular tradition of the holiday is its parades, and Chabad Lubavitch of Baltimore will be holding a Baltimore Jewish Unity Parade on May 9 to celebrate. The free parade promises a fun-filled morning, with floats and entertainment that honor the holiday as well as a BMX bike show.
Lag B’Omer parades were first started as an initiative in the 1950s by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe and most recent leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. At the time, religious practices were considered a largely private affair, which Schneerson questioned.
“When we march our kids down the highway we’re teaching them that there is no shame in publicly affirming our belief. We are proud of our passion and willing to share,” Elisha Greenbaum wrote in an article for Chabad.org about Lag B’Omer parades. “The village square could well benefit from a show of faith; why should publicity be the exclusive province of scandalmongers and the advertising industry?”
With Lag B’Omer parades being largely focused on children, they traditionally feature “Jewish Children’s Rallies” where children chant 12 specific Torah verses relevant to the holiday. Children’s Rallies are often used for other holidays as well, such as Chanukah and Shavuot.
The Baltimore Jewish Unity Parade specifically aims to bring the Jewish community of Baltimore together under one banner for a morning of charity, prayer and fun.
Not every Lag Ba’Omer gathering is as big as a parade, though — many are smaller and more community-focused. Chizuk Amuno Congregation is holding a family picnic to celebrate, while Chabad of Downtown will be having its 15th annual Young Jewish Professionals (YJP) & Community Lag Ba’Omer BBQ.
Chani Druk, co-director of Chabad of Downtown, notes that this year’s celebration is especially noteworthy as it coincides with a Hakhel year.
“Jewish communities worldwide [are celebrating] the Jewish year of Hakhel or ‘gathering,’ marked with Jewish gatherings focused on unity, Torah learning and practice,” Druk explained.
The YJP gathering is one of the longest-running Lag B’Omer traditions in the area. Druk added that its broad community appeal has helped keep it going for so long.
“It’s a great event with a great community,” she said. “We also try to change it up a bit each year by adding additional activities. Some years we had a moon bounce for children, while other years we brought archery [equipment], led a drum circle and had tie-dye, sports games, lawn games and more for young adults. It’s always a lot of fun.”
