LAG BA'OMER , a break in the Omer

Last night was the 33rd day of the Omer count.  The Omer count is a time of sorrow, so much so that no one is allowed to marry.  On the 33rd day, sort of a day off in the middle of the count, couples can marry and big bonfires are lit all over Israel.

When I was a child, I used to love these bonfires.  We gather around them with potatoes and onions in our hands and our mouths watered as we anticipated the taste of the blackened round balls coming out of the fire into out blistering hands.  We quickly throw them from one hand to another blowing on them until they were cool enough to bite into them. I remember the taste of black soot as I tried to peel each potato than covering it with salt.

I did not notice fires in our area last night.  I did not smell them either.  But as the evening draws nigh, my sneezing and strained throat reminds me that they must be lit everywhere polluting the fresh air.

It will be over by the morning.

136th Day of Praise -

I thank You God for the blessings you give all the new married couples today and for the joy of the children near the bonfires; Thank You God for Lag-BeOmer.

Sneezing,

Orith