Lag B’Omer

Lag B’Omer B”H

Geared towards ages 8-Adult

Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day counting the Omer (period between Pesach (second Seder) and Shavuot). On Lag B’Omer, a plague that was afflicting Rabbi Akiva’s students ended making this a celebration day during a time of semi-mourning.

49 Days to Count the Omer from the CD WoodShlock is a parody of “Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon, and Rabbi Akiva from the CD Bring Back That Shabbos Feeling gives a background on Rabbi Akiva.

Other related Shlock Rock songs: “Lag B’Omer” and “Bain Adam L’Chavero” from the CD Shlock Rock For Kids Party Time, “Rhythm of the Nation” from the CD Songs from the Holy Land, “Neighbors Yard of Spoken Scenes” from ReJewVenated, “V’ahavta” from Shlock Rock for Kids Sing Together, “Everyone I Meet” from Shlock Rock For Kids Volume 3.

Goals: To introduce the Omer and the halachot (laws) connected to it, and to discuss the importance of respecting others.

Materials Needed: Copy of “Bring Back that Shabbos Feeling” CD, CD player, copy of WoodShlock CD, copies of Pirkei Avot, and print outs of the song lyrics available here.

Step One: Listen to the song and discuss the lyrics. Review the line: “Rav Akiva’s students started dying one by one. Cause having no respect can even hurt the talmid chacham.” Explain that a Talmid Chacham is a Torah scholar. Why is respect so important? Review the many Pirkei Avot related to respect.

Examples:

Pirkei Avot 4:1 – Who is respected? One who respects and honors others.
Pirkei Avot 3:11 – One should never embarrass someone, it is not kind.
Pirkei Avot 4:3 – Despise no one for all are worthy of respect.
Pirkei Avot 4:19 – Don’t laugh if someone falls, help make him feel better.

Step Two: Jump over to the biographical song Rabbi Akiva from the CD Bring Back That Shabbos Feeling which outlines his acknowledgement of G-d and Torah, his subsequent learning in yeshiva with his son and his famous “Love thy neighbor like thyself.” (Gemara Succot) Use the songs as a trigger for discussions on the importance of learning, the meaning of respect or to explain the halachot in more detail.