Erev Shavuot

Shavuot (Lag b’Omer): Literally translated as the “Feast of Weeks,” is celebrated seven weeks after Pesach (Passover). Since the counting of this period (Sefirat ha-omer) begins on the second evening of Pesach, Shavuot takes place exactly 50 days after the first seder. Hence, following the Greek word for “fifty,” Shavuot is also referred to sometimes as Pentecost. . Although its origins are to be found in an ancient grain harvest festival, Shavuot has been identified since biblical times with the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. There are a number of customs associated with personal practice. Chief among them is the eating of dairy products on Shavuot. Although the reasons for this custom are not completely clear, it has become traditional to eat milk and cheese products as part of the celebration of Shavuot.

The period of the Omer is traditionally associated with semi-mourning and weddings and other celebrations are forbidden. But Lag B’Omer is a happy day interrupting the sadness for 24 hours. There are several Talmudic stories given for this.