Jewish tradition holds back for weeks. Tonight, it lets go

Jewish tradition holds back for weeks. Tonight, it lets go

Lag b’Omer begins tonight, May 4, at sunset, marking the 33rd day of the Omer — the seven-week period between Passover and Shavuot. For much of that stretch, Jewish tradition leans somber. Celebrations are limited, music is often avoided and haircuts and weddings are typically put on hold. Then comes Lag b’Omer. For one day, the mood shifts. No single explanation fully defines the holiday, but one of the most widely shared traditions traces it t…