From Maariv of Wednesday night and onward, if you are unsure if you said vesein berachah or vesein tal u’matar levrachah, it is assumed you said vesein berachah and you do not go back, because 30 days have passed since we began saying vesein berachah.
The sefirah of Wednesday night is 32 days of the omer. Since today is erev Lag BaOmer, do not say Tachanun at Minchah.
Some (especially in Eretz Yisroel) have the custom to light bonfires tonight.
The sefirah of Wednesday night is 33 days of the omer. Today is the hilula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
“It is a mitzvah to rejoice on Lag BaOmer with the joy of Rashbi.” (Mishnas Chassidim, Maseches Iyar 1:6, quoted in Likkutei Sichos vol. 4, p. 1304)
Lag BaOmer is an auspicious time to put more energy into spreading pnimiyus haTorah, which in our times was revealed in the form of Chassidus. (Likkutei Sichos vol. 4, p. 1304) Do not say Tachanun.
Although the berachah of Shehecheyanu is not said during sefirah, it may be said today (on a new fruit or the like).
Lag BaOmer Customs
- It is customary to take children to the park, tell them about Rashbi, and give them treats.
- It is also customary for children to play with bows and arrows.
- The Rebbe instructed that parades for children should be arranged wherever possible. At these parades, the twelve pesukim should be recited and tzedakah should be given.
- Many are accustomed to visit the Rashbi’s resting place in Meron. The Rebbe once stated that at the Ohel of a tzaddik, all other tzaddikim are present as well. Therefore, Lag BaOmer is an auspicious date to visit the Ohel, as Rashbi is present there too.
- Many have the custom of singing songs praising Rashbi. The Rebbe once mentioned that although we did not witness the Rebbeim doing so, they would, however, think about the content of these songs.
Today is a day to farbreng and give extra tzedakah. Women should arrange farbrengens as well.
The Rebbe once instructed to give tzedakah in multiples of 18 (corresponding to the day of the month), and to recite kapitel 33 in Tehillim.
The Rebbe related that in his father’s home they were accustomed to eat carobs on Lag BaOmer.
