Lag B'Omer falls on the 33rd day of the Omer. It is traditionally celebrated with bonfires, stories and songs-a joyful pause in a 49 day period of serious contemplation. The Talmud (Talmud Bavli, Yevamot 62b) tells us that Rabbi Akiva had 24,000 students who died of plague during the period of counting the Omer one year, and the plague was sent by G*d to punish the students for not showing each other proper respect. Tradition says that the plague stopped on Lag B'Omer. Interestingly, a few weeks ago in Torah we learned of how a house could become sick with plague if its residents spoke badly about others. Clearly, how we treat each other matters.

Lag B'Omer also marks the yahrzeit, the anniversary of the death, of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai who was one of Rabbi Akiva's students and is credited with the creation of the Zohar-the kabbalistic book of mysticism. According to tradition, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai dictated the Zohar from his deathbed on Lag B'Omer. As he was speaking, a miracle occurred. Daylight was extended so he could complete his dictation and reveal the mystical secrets he had learned. To commemorate this period of extended daylight, as well as the "light" received from Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's teachings, we light bonfires on Lag B'Omer.

In certain communities, Lag B'Omer is a popular day for holding weddings since they are usually not held during the 49 days of the Omer. But on Lag B'Omer we are encouraged to be joyous-get married, hear and play music and get haircuts (if only!).

As we are experiencing our own "plague", it seems that Lag B'Omer is a perfect time for us to gather virtually-to share our joys and celebrate the light in our own lives. Please bring a story, a poem, a joke, a song-something to share around our virtual bonfire-and we'll bring in the light together.