The 33rd day of the counting of the Omer, occurring on the 18th of Iyyar. According to some, it is the day on which the plague that killed Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 disciples came to an end, and for this reason the mourning period of the Omer count concludes in many communities. According to modern kabbalistic tradition, this day celebrates Simeon ben Yochai and/or the anniversary of his death. According to a late medieval tradition, Simeon ben Yochai is buried in Meron, and this association has spawned several well-known customs and practices on Lag BaOmer, including the lighting of bonfires and pilgrimages to Meron. Additionally, in modern-day Israel, the holiday also serves to commemorate the Bar Kokhba Revolt against the Romans.
