May 2018, Lag BaOmer & Parshat Emor

Dear Friends,

This week Jewish communities around the world celebrate Lag Baomer, the 33rd day of the Omer, with bonfire celebrations. Aside from being one of the busiest days of the year for an Israeli fireman, Lag Baomer also signifies a break in the mourning period of counting between Pesach and Shavuot. Many weddings are held on Lag Baomer and festive parties are held throughout the night as it is a rare celebratory day during this bleak period.

The festival of Lag Baomer is one of the more obscure in the Jewish canon. On one hand, it celebrates the 33rd day of the Omer, the counting period between Pesach and Shavuot, while at the same time we take a break from all the mourning customs that accompany the Omer itself. Fires are lit, music is blasted marshmallows are toasted and haircuts are plentiful.

My non-Jewish barber on Glen Eira Rd, related to me that he and his wife (both of them hairdressers) plan their annual breaks and holidays during the Omer as it one of their quietest times. In fact, his wife even scheduled her C-section during this period as she knew she’d get a good few weeks of rest time following the birth!

In many ways the Jewish calendar is very busy. Throughout the year there are many highs and lows. At any given time there is something coming up; something to prepare for, to look forward to, to anticipate. I remember last year discussing with one of my friends at university the different dates I would be unavailable to work on a group assignment to which he replied, ‘wow, you Jews party a lot!’

As the year progresses topics of conversation invariably focus on upcoming festivals and celebrations as well as periods of mourning like the Omer and fast days. While there are lulls in the calendar, they never last for more than a few weeks until there is something to look ahead to.

This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Emor, speaks about the Jewish worship days, including both feasting and non-fasting days. The Parsha describes in detail the different times of the year and the requirements of each festival.
Reading each description reminds me that as Jewish people our lives have always been centred around our festivals which act as our people’s anchor throughout time. When times may be tough we have the anticipation of an upcoming festival or reflective time to work on ourselves, to connect to G-d, to connect with others, spend time with our families and come together as a people.

While some years we may not be in the mood to celebrate Pesach, or fast on Yom Kippur, these festivals create the experiences that life around us centres upon.

The beauty of the Jewish calendar is that we are forced to stop and take a break at regular intervals. This poses its challenges for sure but also its opportunities. As a community we come together, as individuals we can take the time to reflect. In celebrating, commemorating, fasting or whatever the festival entails we are given the time and the opportunity to think, feel, connect. And of course, to eat.
In many ways the Jewish cycle of festivals is representative of life itself. A mix of experiences that encompass the good and the bad. The ups and the down. The differences between our day to day lives and our special experiences.
As the Jewish life cycle marches on and time goes on and people change, it is the special times that bind us. And arguably it’s the regularity and frequency of the festivals that not just builds but has the capacity to maintain the connections and times for reflection that we need and appreciate.

Sometimes we may not feel up for a day of celebration like Lag Baomer on that specific day – and sometimes we might revel in the chance to party a bit hard – but regardless, we can always appreciate that it’s an opportunity not just for a haircut and a bonfire, but to connect with our friends and family.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Gabi