Community members sing during a Lag Ba’Omer bonfire at Urban Adamah in Berkeley. (Courtesy Sacred Music Fellowship)
Community members sing during a Lag Ba’Omer bonfire at Urban Adamah in Berkeley. (Courtesy Sacred Music Fellowship)

Jewish organizations are gearing up for Lag Ba’Omer, a festive holiday that falls between Passover and Shavuot. The holiday marks a break in the somber Omer counting period, allowing for joyous occasions such as weddings, bonfires, picnics and even haircuts. Local celebrations for the holiday, which begins at sundown May 4 , include outdoor parties with fire pits, barbecues, drum circles and singing, kids’ activities and games.

Is your organization hosting an event for Lag Ba’Omer? Let us know at [email protected] or fill out our “submit an event” form.

Monday | May 4

“Sacred Fire: A Musical Lag Ba-Omer Ceremony with Kedmah” — Teachings from Rebecca Schisler and Rabbi Zac Kamenetz, prayer, meditation, Mizrahi devotional music from Kedmah (Rabbi Yosef Goldman and Yoni Avi Battat) around a bonfire. Presented by Urban Adamah, Shefa, the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Congregation Beth Israel, Netivot Shalom and Wilderness Torah. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 7:30-9 p.m. $36.

Erev Lag Ba’Omer Festival — Peninsula Sinai offers bonfire, s’mores, singing & drum circle, bubbles, bows & arrows, trivia & prizes. At 499 Boothbay Ave., Foster City. 7 p.m. Free. RSVP: [email protected].

Lag Ba’Omer Bonfire — UCSF celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month with food and music. At Spark Social, 601 Mission Bay Blvd. North, S.F. 4-6 p.m. Free.

Young Jewish Professionals Lag Ba’Omer Experience — BBQ, music and conversation. Presented by Chabad SF YJP and Moishe House Marina & Nob Hill. At Knesset Israel Chabad, 873 Sutter St., S.F. 7-10 p.m. $23 and up.

Tuesday | May 5

Lag Ba’Omer BBQ Celebration — Chabad of the Neighborhood presents a BBQ buffet dinner in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai plus live music, crafts, bubbles. At Pine Lake Park in Stern Grove, S.F. 5-7:45 p.m. Free.

Lag Ba’Omer Celebration & BBQ — Chabad North Peninsula offers BBQ dinner, archery, s’mores. At 115 Monte Diablo Ave., San Mateo. 5-7 p.m. $5.

Lag B’Omer — Chabad of the Tri-Valley hosts a BBQ dinner and bonfire, with bounce house and treats for kids. At 3370 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton. 5:30 p.m. $20, $60 families.

Lag Ba’Omer Celebration — Chabad of Contra Costa offers BBQ, snow cones, cotton candy. At 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek. 6 p.m. $25, $15 children.

“Lag Ba’Omer Fired Up!” — Chabad of Oakland celebrates with BBQ, music, fire pit, open bar. Vegetarian options available. Oakland address provided with RSVP. 6 p.m. $15 suggested donation.

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Rahel Knight is editorial fellow at J. She and her wife live in the East Bay.