In the Valley
Lag b'Omer, a celebratory day of picnics and bonfire roasts, falls on the 39th day of the counting of the omer, this year from sundown Monday, May 22, through sundown Tuesday, May 23.
According to tradition, the seven-week semi-mourning period of the counting of the omer recalls the Israelites' suffering under Roman rule and the Crusades of the Middle Ages. The counting begins on the second night of Passover and concludes with the holiday of Shavuot, which commemorates the Israelites' receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai.
The Valley Jewish community is planning four events to commemorate Lag b'Omer:
- Family picnic: 3:30 - 6 p.m. Sunday, May 21, Sereno Park, 56th Street and Sweetwater Avenue, Phoenix. Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center. Reservations: 602-258-6778.
- Yoel Sharabi in concert: 7:15 p.m. Monday, May 22, Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Road, Phoenix. Greater Phoenix Community Kollel. Free tickets: 602-234-1660; 602-274-1800.
- Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, Phoenix Community High Schools, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix. Classroom tour. No meal charge, but guests will be solicited. Reservations: 602-944-2753.
- Teen barbecue: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at Cactus Park, 7202 E. Cactus Road, Scottsdale. Basketball, singing and a professional rapper. Reservations: Chabad of Scottsdale, 480-992-0250.
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