Children play with fireworks near a Lag B'Omer bonfire in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo by Roi Boshi, via Wikicommons.
Lag B'Omer is a Jewish holiday that occurs during the Omer, or the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. Since this period is usually marked by restraint (no celebrations, including weddings and even haircuts during this time), the Lag B'Omer holiday is an opportunity to take a festive break. For this reason, many Jewish weddings (and haircuts) are scheduled during these 24 hours. This year, Lag B'Omer begins at sunset on Wednesday, May 22nd, and ends at sunset on the 23rd. Many Jews celebrate with family picnics, songs, parades, fireworks, and, most notably, large bonfires.
URI's grassroots peacebuilding groups, called Cooperation Circles, are formed by members of at least three different religions, spiritual expressions, or Indigenous traditions. Learning about each other's holidays is one way to build bridges and show mutual respect. See more ways URI members are working towards interfaith understanding and dialogue.
