YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Peninei Halakha
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- Lag Ba'omer
It is customary to rejoice somewhat on Lag Ba-omer. Even though we observe some customs of mourning during the omer period, nevertheless, one may sing and dance on Lag Ba-omer. Taĥanun is recited neither on Lag Ba-omer nor at Minĥa on the preceding day. One may not fast on Lag Ba-omer.[1]
The reason we rejoice on Lag Ba-omer is that the Rishonim had a tradition that the students of R. Akiva stopped dying on the 33rd day of the omer (Me’iri, Yevamot 62b; sa 493:2). Some explain that his students actually continued dying, but on the 33rd day of the omer R. Akiva began teaching new students – including R. Shimon bar Yoĥai – who did not die in the plague, and through them Torah spread among the Jewish people. This is why we rejoice on Lag Ba-omer (Pri Ĥadash 493:2). Others claim that on the 33rd day of the omer R. Akiva conferred rabbinic ordination on his five new students – R. Meir, R. Yehuda, R. Yosi, R. Shimon bar Yoĥai, and R. Elazar b. Shamu’a – who continued the tradition of Torah (Kaf Ha-ĥayim 493:26, based on Sha’ar Ha-kavanot). Another reason for rejoicing on Lag Ba-omer is that it is the yahrzeit or hilula of the holy Tanna R. Shimon bar Yoĥai, who was R. Akiva’s disciple.
We will first summarize briefly the customs of mourning and rejoicing that apply on Lag Ba-omer. According to all customs, one may sing, dance, and play musical instruments on Lag Ba-omer, from beginning to end. Regarding weddings and haircuts, the matter depends on one’s custom. According to the customs of Ashkenazic and some Sephardic communities, one may get married and cut one’s hair during the day of Lag Ba-omer, and some permit these activities even at night. According to the custom of most Sephardim, however, one may not get married or cut one’s hair on Lag Ba-omer (see above 3:4-5). Nonetheless, when Lag Ba-omer falls out on Friday, one may cut one’s hair in honor of Shabbat, even according to Sephardic custom (sa 493:2). Those who follow the customs of Arizal do not cut their hair on Lag Ba-omer even in this situation, because they refrain from cutting their hair throughout the omer period, until Erev Shavu’ot (Kaf Ha-ĥayim 493:13).
[1] Although one may not fast on Lag Ba-omer, a bridegroom does fast (ma 573:1). Some say that even a bridegroom does not fast (Mishmeret Shalom §38). Levush, Pri Megadim, and others state that one does not recite Taĥanun at Minĥa on the previous day. Ĥok Yaakov, however, rules that one should recite it. See Kaf Ha-ĥayim 493:28. It seems that the prevalent custom is to omit it.
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
The Laws of Purim 4. Traveling between Walled and Unwalled Cities
Chapter 17: Walled and Unwalled Cities
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Rabbis in Midrash
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
