Great Excuse for a Bonfire - Lag B’Omer

Celebrating Lag B’Omer – think bonfires, picnics, ball games, and roasting marshmallows – reminds me of my happy places and might be perfect for your family, too. For me, it’s a (giant) step back to some of my favorite activities as a kid.

As a young teen, I attended Jewish summer camps where the magic of nature was truly the major part of our experience.

On Saturday nights at Tel Yehudah in upstate New York, we walked to a clearing in the woods where a huge bonfire was lit. Flames shot straight up into the black night sky and the crackling sound of the wood, along with the singing and guitar music, lulled us into a sense of total contentment.

Lag B’Omer begins Wednesday, May 22 and ends Thursday, May 23

Lag B’Omer is a minor holiday that comes 33 days into the 49 days of Counting the Omer (after Passover and before Shavuot). Read more about the whys and whats of Lag B’Omer  here.

“Lag BaOmer celebrations are generally outdoor adventures, including bonfires, fun and frolic with teaching. Especially in Israel, people young and old will be outside sharing a picnic and enjoying the beautiful day; school children celebrate with a ‘field day.’ The bonfires lit in celebration are supposed to symbolize the light of Torah.”  (Source: Lisa Lieberman Barzilai: Lag B’Omer: A Time of Celebration and Reflection,” ReformJudaism.org)

So how can you bring some of the magic of Lag B’Omer to your family?  Check out our Lag B’Omer Pinterest Board for arts and crafts ideas (e.g., bonfire made of sticks and more, an omer collage, quilled bonfire) and cute food fun (e.g., adorable campfire cupcakes and campfire marshmallow cookies).

OR – just plan a picnic with your family. Go to a nearby park (or your backyard) with a grill. Roast marshmallows. Toss a ball around. And revel in nature.

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