LAG B’OMER CELEBRATIONS with STUDY GUIDES FOR “A HOLIDAY FOR ARI ANT”

Lag B’Omer

The 49 days between the second day of Passover and the holiday of Shavuot are called the Omer. This period is a time of mourning whose origins are unclear and as a result many do not observe this mourning period. Marriages and public celebrations are forbidden during this time. Lag B’Omer is celebrated on the 33^rd day of the counting of the Omer and is a day on which mourning is suspended. This minor festival is observed by going on family picnics and outings. In Israel, storytelling and dancing around bonfires are part of the festivities.

There are several events associated with this holiday. One reason cited for the celebration comes from a miracle associated with Rabbi Akiba who lived in Israel 2000 years ago. Many of his students were killed by a terrible plague that miraculously ended on the 33^rd day of the Omer (Lag B’Omer). Another reason cited is the bravery of Shimon Bar Yohai, a disciple of Rabbi Akiba’s, who opposed Roman law by teaching his students in mountain caves. The students carried bows and arrows to fool the Roman soldiers when they went to study in the hills. Still another reason cited is a rebellion against Roman rule by Bar Kochba. Although the rebellion was unsuccessful, Bar Kochba is remembered for his courage against a far stronger enemy. Lag B’Omer is a time to remember our scholars and heroes. It is a joyful day for children to picnic outdoors. (Background for Parents, Researched and Written by Sylvia Rouss)

REVIEWS OF “A HOLIDAY FOR ARI ANT”

Ari Ant lives on the preschool playground and is eager to watch and participate in his own way with the children’s activities and celebrations. Unnoticed by the youngsters, Ari listens one afternoon as the teacher begins to read a story about the holiday Lag B’Omer. Lag Ba’Omer is a joyful day celebrated between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot and commemorated with picnics, bonfires, singing, and storytelling. The children prepare for the traditional holiday picnic through various play activities. Ari is eager to join in but is very disappointed when he bites into a hard plastic cookie, is nearly buried in a sandbox cave, and then falls into a puddle of glue. “I’m not sure I like Lag B’Omer!” remarks the little ant. But at the actual picnic at a nearby park, Ari is able to fully enjoy and partake in the food, Torah stories, and warmth of a bonfire, declaring Lag B’Omer “the perfect holiday” for an ant. As with her signature Sammy Spider, Rouss creates a character who is inconspicuous to the crowd of humans yet provides a gentle entree to the holiday with a bit of suspense and satisfying denouement for very young children; Kahn contributes cheery illustrations in her familiar, Eric Carle–style collaged art. A nice addition to the holiday shelves. (KIRKUS REVIEW)

Sylvia Rouss and Katherine Janus Kahn, the author and illustrator duo that brought readers the beloved Sammy Spider, introduce their newest friend, Ari Ant. Like Sammy Spider, Ari Ant is adventurous and curious. He likes to watch the children play on the playground. In A Holiday for Ari Ant, he joins the children for their lesson on the upcoming holiday, Lag B’Omer. A sometimes forgotten holiday, Lag B’Omer celebrates the 33rd day of counting the Omer between Passover and Shavuot. Schools and families make bonfires to remember the bravery of Shimon bar Yohai who studied Torah in secret, pretending to go on picnics with students in the mountain caves. Ari Ant can’t wait to celebrate Lag B’Omer, but each time he tries to participate in the festivities of the holiday, he becomes disappointed. First, two girls who are pretend picnicking don’t leave him any food crumbs, then a sand pile topples over on him, and then he gets caught in glue! Will Ari Ant ever enjoy Lag B’Omer? This purple ant, illustrated with colored collages in the same spirit as the illustrations in Eric Carle’s books, will be a delight to host at your next Jewish holiday celebration. (JEWISH BOOK COUNCIL)

ORIGINAL SONGS FOR THE HOLIDAY OF LAG B’OMER

from FUN WITH JEWISH HOLIDAY SONGS, Original Songs set to Traditional Melodies by Sylvia Rouss

We’re Filling Our Basket

(On Top of Old Smokey)

We’re filling our basket,

For a picnic today.

It’s Lag B’Omer,

Let’s go out to play.

The weather is lovely,

As lovely can be.

Let’s sit on our blanket,

Beneath this big tree.

We’ll eat our picnic,

And play in the sun,

Because Lag B’Omer,

Is always such fun.

Lag B’Omer Holiday

(Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)

Lag B’Omer holiday,

Let us go outside to play.

Come along and join the fun.

Eat our picnic in the sun.

Lag B’Omer holiday,

Let us go outside to play.

Lag B’Omer

(Frere Jacque)

Lag B’Omer, Lag B’Omer,

Oh what fun! Oh what fun!

Pack a picnic basket,

Everyone, everyone.

Let’s All Pack a Picnic Basket

(Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush)

Let’s all pack a picnic basket,

Picnic basket, picnic basket.

Let’s all pack a picnic basket,

Lag B’Omer’s here.

Let’s put in a bright red apple,

Bright red apple, bright red apple.

Let’s put in a bright red apple

Lag B’Omer’s here.

Additional verses:

3. Let’s put in some carrot sticks.

4. Let’s put in potato chips.

5. Let’s put in a watermelon.

6. Let’s put in a jelly sandwich.

7. (create your own verse)

RECIPES

Ants on a Log

Celery sticks

Peanut butter or cream cheese

Raisins

Spread butter or cream cheese onto celery sticks. Place raisins on top to represent ants. Eat.

Lag B’Omer Munch

Mix nuts, raisins, chocolate bits and sunflower seeds together for a healthy outdoor snack.

LEARNING GAMES

1. Spatial Relationships – Use a real basket and piece of fruit. Ask child to put the fruit in the basket, under the basket, behind the basket, etc.

2. Recall – Use the foods from Ari Ant and the Lag B’Omer picnic to play, “What’s Missing?” Have children identify items and then close their eyes. Remove an item and let children guess what is missing.