Lag ba'Omer

Hi,

For past posts relating to Lag ba'Omer, and particular to the question of when one takes a haircut if Lag ba'Omer occurs on a Sunday - as it does this year - please click here.

Good moed,
Mordechai

Haircuts for Lag ba'Omer this year

Hi,

There is an interesting quirk in this year's calendar: Lag ba'Omer occurs on Motzaei Shabbat and Sunday.

The Rama mentioned an Ashkenazi practice of taking haircuts on the Friday preceding Lag ba'Omer when Lag ba'Omer is a Sunday, in honor of Shabbat. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 493:2) [Note that this would not affect any of the other mourning practices associated with the first part of the omer, such as listening to musical performances.]

As always, please consult your community's rabbinic authorities in determining your practice.

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Lag ba'Omer Haircuts

Hi,

Thursday night/Friday is Lag ba'Omer, when those who have been observing the first days of the Omer cease their mourning observances.

There is some debate as to the status of the evening of Lag ba'Omer. Some authorities rule that one may shave already that evening, although others say to wait until the next morning.

Weddings are generally prohibited on the evening of Lag ba'Omer, except when Lag ba'Omer day is Friday, so that there isn't much time on the day itself.

Each community should follow its minhag on these matters.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 493:3; Mishneh Berurah 493:10-11)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Lag ba'Omer

Hello,

Lag ba'Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer, is traditionally observed as a holiday marking the day when the students of R' Akiva stopped dying. There is some debate as to whether the evening beginning Lag ba'Omer has festive status or not, and therefore haircuts and celebrations generally wait until the day of Lag ba'Omer.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 493:2; Mishneh Berurah 493:11)

Have a great day,
Mordechai