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According
to tradition, the plague which killed many of Rabbi Akiba's students
lifted on the 33rd day of the Omer. Thus, while the Omer is observed as
a period of mourning, mourning is lifted on Lag B'Omer. It is a popular
day to get married (the only one during the Omer, according to
Ashkenazic practice: from that day forward, according to Sephardic and
Reform practice). The holiday is traditionally celebrated with
bonfires, and three-year-old boys receive their first haircut. Today,
some three-year-old girls will also have their hair cut amidst
celebration on Lag B'Omer.
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