Discover a Jewish tradition
🔥 Lag BaOmer for kids
Lag BaOmer is the thirty-third day of counting the Omer, the period between Passover and Shavuot. The letters lamed and gimel have numeric values thirty and three, which together explain the name lag.
The day is associated with Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and with traditions about Rabbi Akiva's students. Families and communities celebrate in different ways, including outings, gatherings and learning together.
Bonfires appear in many pictures of the day, but a real fire is not needed for a celebration. Make a paper flame collage or enjoy an outdoor picnic. If adults arrange a fire, they must follow local rules and keep children away from it.
Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
Begins: Mon, May 4, 2026 at sunset
Ends: Tue, May 5, 2026 at nightfall
2027
Begins: Mon, May 24, 2027 at sunset
Ends: Tue, May 25, 2027 at nightfall
Dates begin on the preceding evening. Candle lighting is before sunset when welcoming Shabbat; exact local times require a location. These dates are not candle-lighting times.
Calendar reference: Hebcal holiday calendar. Dates are calculated with the site's Hebrew calendar conversion.
A blessing to learn together
There is no special blessing for a Lag BaOmer bonfire. The daily Omer count has its own blessing and rules; it should not be treated as a blessing over a fire.
For a picnic with tree fruit, learn the ordinary fruit blessing:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָעֵץ.
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, borei peri ha-etz.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.
This is said before eating tree fruit, not because it is Lag BaOmer.
Lag BaOmer coloring pages
Match the holiday words
Learn four words in English and Hebrew. Point to each pair together before trying the mixed-up version. The second printed page is an answer key.
fire — אש
bow — קשת
tent — אוהל
friend — חבר
Frequently asked questions
Is there a special blessing for lighting a Lag BaOmer bonfire?
No special bonfire blessing is presented here. The daily Omer count has its own blessing and rules; it is not a blessing over a fire.
Can I print the Lag BaOmer activities?
Yes. The word match includes a separate answer page, and each coloring drawing has its own print or PDF button. Prepare materials in advance if your family avoids writing or printing on the holiday.
Why do some dates differ between Israel and abroad?
Some festivals have an additional day in many communities outside Israel. Use the calendar selector and follow your local community calendar.
Explore more: All Jewish holidays, and Learn Hebrew letters.