Events and Activities Ideas:
Lag B'Omer - April 30 2002
The 33rd day of the Omer celebrates the ending of a plague that besieged the students of Rabbi Akiva during the second century. In all 24,000 would perish from this horrific plague.
Background : Lag B'Omer
The Omer is the seven-week period between Passover and Shavuot. In commemoration of the deaths of the students, the Omer was declared a period of mourning, prohibiting weddings, listening to music, attending live entertainment, or even getting haircuts. Often, religious men refrain from shaving during the Omer.
All the restrictions of the Omer are forgiven on Lag B'Omer, as the day represents a joyous occasion. Lag B'Omer represents the celebration of the student. Many Jews celebrate Lag B'Omer with small campfires and quiet celebrations.
Event Ideas:
1) “See You In Israel” Party – This holiday is a joyous time and just happens to fall out at the end of the semester. You have worked hard all semester, so reward yourselves.It is most likely that several members within your organization and on other campuses within your area will be spending the summer in Israel or spending the fall semester there. Celebrate the end of the semester and give those that will be going to Israel for the summer or for a semester abroad the opportunity to meet fellow students from the area at a gathering hosted by your organization.
Use this opportunity to promote tourism and study abroad in Israel. If you have members who have recently returned from a study abroad or extended program in Israel, see if they would be willing to talk with individuals who are thinking about such an experience.
Also, don't forget to have people bring their best photos from their trips to Israel. A picture is worth a 1000 words!
2) Tutor for a Day - In a very loose interpretation, Lag B'Omer is about being a student. Education is an important value within the Jewish community.
For many in American society, college and the advantages that it awards will never be a reality. In the spirit of Lag B'Omer and its celebration, do your part to help those less fortunate.
Organize a volunteer tutor for a day program with your organization and a community service group. There is a wide array of possibilities that you can address from adult literacy to tutoring at risk kids to hosting a below average student on your campus for a day.
It is quite likely that there is already a student group or initiative on your campus, so instead of “reinventing the wheel” seek them out and see if you can contribute to the effort.
3) Teach Hebrew – There is a large amount of Jews that are not knowledgeable in the Hebrew language. For those members within your group who are fluent in the language, see if they might be willing to volunteer time to help others that are less familiar with Hebrew become more fluent. This is an excellent opportunity to get your Israeli members involved.
If there are many members who express interest, you can also explore an informal “classroom” approach versus the one-to-one approach. If your campus has a Hebrew language program, see if one of the professors would be willing to act as an advisor to help you develop a meaningful approach to learning Hebrew.
Resources:
Chabad
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Judaism
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Holidays with a Twist
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Lag B'Omer
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