Lag B’Omer is a somewhat lesser-known holiday that Rabbi Miriam Hoffman hopes will make its way into mainstream Judaism.
“Not many people celebrate it, which I think is unfortunate,” Hoffman, the program director of Am Kolel’s Judaic Resource Center, said.
That’s why Hoffman and Am Kolel’s founder, Rabbi David Shneyer, are spearheading a Lag B’Omer celebration at Montrose Park in Rockville on May 3. The afternoon will feature singing, live music, Israeli dancing, a learning session, arts and crafts, an ice cream bar and a potluck picnic.
“It’s just going to be a really fun, chill afternoon,” Hoffman said.
The celebratory event is open to the community.
“We want to make Lag B’Omer more accessible,” Hoffman said. “Not everybody knows even what it is or that it exists, so just hosting something for it, I’m hoping that it’ll make that [holiday] more available for people.”
Observant Jews count the days and weeks between Passover and Shavuot. Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer, a semi-mournful period, according to Hoffman.
“[The Omer is] not super celebratory, but on Lag B’Omer, it is celebratory,” she said. “It’s your one reprieve in these 49 days. So you’re supposed to spend time outside. You’re supposed to do a lot of learning, and some people do a bonfire, dancing, music, things like that.”
On May 3, Hoffman will teach about the biblical origins of the Omer and Sefirat HaOmer, the counting of the Omer.
“The Omer, these 49 days, [is] really a lot about self-reflection and working on yourself,” Hoffman said. “It’s counting the days between our exodus from slavery to receiving the Torah. So this sort of in-between time is a lot of who we are as individuals, as people — how can we be the best versions of ourselves to receive revelation, to be uplifted in different kinds of ways?”
That is the premise of her educational session, drawing upon Jewish texts: “How did Lag B’Omer become a thing and what are we supposed to do with it?”
Hoffman said she loves the counting of the Omer.
“Every year, it’s the same character traits, but as I change and grow and I’m in a different place, I come to them in different ways,” she said. “So it’s really nice to be able to think about, ‘How do I find strength by being kind?’ or ‘What are my foundations?’”
These are just a couple of the character traits to focus on.
“[This is a time] to think about where am I in my life right now and where can I find in my past, in my foundations, the ways that I have grown into this person?” Hoffman said. “It’s really nice just to reflect and to also think [about which] character trait is not so strong.”
Keeping with the theme of self-reflection, the simultaneous kids’ programming will cover how to become the best versions of themselves, led by Melissa Eisen, Am Kolel’s executive administrative assistant. She will draw upon the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s “Making Mensches” resource, a “periodic table” of character strengths such as kindness, confidence, compassion and justice.
Eisen will lead a discussion on these traits: “If we’re going to talk about courage, when are times when you’re courageous? What does that actually mean? Is it possible to be too courageous, then you put yourself in danger?” Hoffman said. “Trying to find that balance is probably what she’s going to be [discussing] with [our younger attendees].”
Outside of learning, attendees will have access to lawn games, arts and crafts, an ice cream bar and snacks all afternoon. Learning with Hoffman will be followed by music with “Reb David.” Then, for the next hour, attendees can enjoy drumming, kids’ programming and Israeli dancing — Hoffman brings 15 years of experience with the latter thanks to her summer camp days.
“There’s going to be something for everyone to celebrate this holiday,” Hoffman said. “I want [attendees] to know about Lag B’Omer, and I would love for them to have either new or refined practice for the next couple weeks until Shavuot, which is the end of May.”
