What’s the first image that comes to mind when you think of Lag BaOmer?
Likely, it’s a bonfire. (Maybe, in part, thanks to the title of this article!)
But in case you don’t have the space, the time, or . . . the scout skills to build your own bonfire, here are five fire-free ways to bring meaning and fun to your Lag BaOmer this year.
1. Shine Your Light
There are many explanations for the custom of lighting bonfires on Lag BaOmer. One popular idea is that fires represent the light of Torah, especially through the Kabbalistic teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and other Torah giants.
Instead of lighting an actual fire, you can shine your own unique light. This Lag BaOmer, choose one specific way to brighten the world around you—by spreading cheer, expressing more gratitude, offering sincere encouragement or diving deep into a sefer for some solid Torah learning.
2. Secret Missions
Inspired by Rabbi Shimon’s time hiding and learning in a cave, set up a mini scavenger hunt for a friend or family member. Create a few clues (maybe even encrypt them in a simple code) that lead to a final surprise.
Bonus points if the final treasure is a Lag BaOmer snack picnic you can share together at the end.
3. Aim High
Another common Lag BaOmer image? Bows and arrows.
You don’t need a real bow to experience the thrill of hitting a target.
Spend a few minutes on your own thinking about your personal goals, and how you’ve been doing since Rosh Hashanah. What’s one thing you’d like to aim for over the next few weeks? Create a mini visual to hang in your room, so your goal stays front and center.
4. Campfire Stories (Without the Campfire)
Even if there’s no bonfire crackling nearby, you can still enjoy one of the best parts of a bonfire: inspiring stories!
Get together with some family or friends, and have everyone bring a book of short inspirational stories to choose from.
Take turns reading (or summarizing) a story for a little extra light and inspiration.
Or, ask everyone to share a special personal memory from their own life: a time they learned something new or a lesson they learned the hard way.
5. Host a Kumzits
Who says you need a bonfire to close your eyes and sing your heart out?
Arrange a mini kumzits, even if it’s just in the living room, with a pillow-filled circle on the floor and the lights off.
Put together a short list of songs (some oldies but goodies mixed with a few new hits) and let the singing begin.
(For best results, pair this one with the storytelling idea above!)
• • •
When Lag BaOmer comes, you might find yourself around a bonfire after all.
If you do, enjoy the warmth, the fresh nighttime air and that unmistakable fire smell that somehow clings to your clothes for hours (or days).
Hopefully, you’ll even get a s’more or two out of it.
But even if there’s no fire in sight, you can still mark the day in a special and meaningful way. Try out some of these ideas, and make Lag BaOmer your own. Let your light shine.
Sari Kopitnikoff is an experiential educator, digital artist and content creator who is passionate about creating books, games, activities and shows that bring Judaism to life. You can find her books, games and lots of educational activities on her website, thatjewishmoment.com and on social media, @thatjewishmoment.