18 Iyar 5786
Lag BaOmer 2026
Lag BaOmer began at sundown on Monday 4 May, and ended at nightfall on Tuesday 5 May.
Lag BaOmer falls 11 days earlier than in 2025, as the Hebrew calendar does in most years: twelve lunar months come to about 354 days.
Lag BaOmer 2026 falls on Tuesday 5 May, and begins at sundown the evening before.
- Days of Lag BaOmer
- Begins at sundown
| Day | In Israel | Outside Israel |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 4 May17 Iyar | Lag BaOmer begins at sundown, everywhere | |
| Tue 5 May18 Iyar | Lag BaOmer, everywhere | |
Lag BaOmer is the 33rd day of the Omer count between Passover and Shavuot, a break in a period of semi-mourning, associated with Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
What happens in Israel
Bonfires on every patch of open ground, built by children for weeks beforehand, and a huge pilgrimage to Mount Meron. Air quality across the country measurably drops that night.
How it is kept
- Bonfires across Israel and at Jewish communities worldwide
- The mass pilgrimage to Mount Meron, resting place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
- Weddings and haircuts, paused during the Omer, resume
- First haircuts (upsherin) for three-year-old boys
What people say
"Lag BaOmer sameach"
On the table
Anything grilled: the bonfire barbecue is the modern Israeli tradition.
These Hanukkah gifts are drawn from the same calendars as this site.
A city's Shabbat times for 2027, the moon on the night someone was born, a bar or bat mitzvah portion, the Kinneret on a day that matters. Each one is drawn for the person you choose, then printed and shipped free.
Order by November 18 for delivery in the US before the first candle, or by November 11 for Israel.
Shabbat in your city, 2027
From $36
The moon they were born under
From $36
Their Torah portion
From $36
The Kinneret mug
From $29
Lag BaOmer moves by up to a month from one year to the next, but never leaves its season.
The Hebrew calendar follows the moon and adds a month seven years in nineteen. Here is Lag BaOmer in every year this site has computed.
| Year | Begins at sundown | Ends at nightfall |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sat 25 MaySaturday 25 May | Sun 26 MaySunday 26 May |
| 2025 | Thu 15 MayThursday 15 May | Fri 16 MayFriday 16 May |
| 2026 | Mon 4 MayMonday 4 May | Tue 5 MayTuesday 5 May |
| 2027 | Mon 24 MayMonday 24 May | Tue 25 MayTuesday 25 May |
| 2028 | Sat 13 MaySaturday 13 May | Sun 14 MaySunday 14 May |
| 2029 | Wed 2 MayWednesday 2 May | Thu 3 MayThursday 3 May |
| 2030 | Mon 20 MayMonday 20 May | Tue 21 MayTuesday 21 May |
14 other Jewish holidays fall in 2026.
The next 8 in the order they fall. Each has its own page for 2026.
Monday 2 February
Tu BiShvat
The new year of the trees. Tree planting in Israel and eating the fruits of the land.
Tuesday 3 March
Purim
Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of Persia as told in the Book of Esther. Megillah readings, costumes, mishloach manot and festive meals.
Thursday 2 April
Passover (Pesach)
The festival of freedom, marking the Exodus from Egypt. Seder nights, matzah, and no chametz for eight days (seven in Israel).
Tuesday 14 April
Yom HaShoah
Holocaust Remembrance Day. In Israel a two-minute siren brings the country to a standstill.
Tuesday 21 April
Yom HaZikaron
Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror, the day before Independence Day.
Wednesday 22 April
Yom HaAtzmaut
Israel's Independence Day, marking the declaration of the state in 1948.
Friday 22 May
Shavuot
The festival of receiving the Torah at Sinai. All-night learning and dairy foods. Two days in the diaspora, one in Israel.
Thursday 23 July
Tisha B'Av
Fast day mourning the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem. If the 9th of Av falls on Shabbat, the fast is observed on Sunday.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lag BaOmer 2026?+
Lag BaOmer 2026 begins at sundown on Monday 4 May and ends at nightfall on Tuesday 5 May. Jewish days start in the evening, so the first full day is Tuesday 5 May.
How long is Lag BaOmer?+
1 day. Same date everywhere.
Is Lag BaOmer different in Israel?+
Same date everywhere.
What happens in Israel on Lag BaOmer?+
Bonfires on every patch of open ground, built by children for weeks beforehand, and a huge pilgrimage to Mount Meron. Air quality across the country measurably drops that night.
What do you say on Lag BaOmer?+
The standard greeting is "Lag BaOmer sameach".
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