We haven’t yet finished the leftover matza from Pesach in our pantry. I admit it, it’s taking too long. But yesterday was Lag BaOmer, and perhaps this week would have been the perfect time to get rid of it.
A legend brought to us by the Chatam Sofer, an 18th century German rabbi, tells us that the matza that the Israelites brought out with them from Egypt, that very first Pesach, sustained them until the 14th of Iyar. They were then hungry, complained to God, and on the 18th of Iyar, which is the 33rd day of the Omer (Lag BaOmer), manna began to fall from heaven. It was this manna that sustained the Israelites while they were in the wilderness.
The Omer, the 49 day period that we count between Pesach and Shavuot, is considered a time of mourning. Traditionally, during this period, Jews don’t get married, get haircuts, or attend live concerts, as these are all markers of joy and celebration. But that all changes on Lag BaOmer. Lag BaOmer is the turning point during this counting, where mourning becomes celebration and sadness becomes joy. And according to the legend taught to us by the Chatam Sofer, it’s also a time to look for hope. It’s a time to look at the world around us and, like those ancient Israelites seeing manna falling from the sky, find symbols, moments of joy, that will sustain us.
You can see our Lag BaOmer celebrations from yesterday on Facebook here. It was spirited and joyful, and reminded all of us there is much to celebrate, there is much to have hope in.
