Question
Is lag b’Omer an actual Halacha chiyuv, or minhag? Is it permitted to fast or no on that day? If it falls out motzai Shabbat, is besamim not used due to neshama yesira?

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Dear Rabbi, What is the idea behind Judaism's mitzvah to count daily for seven weeks starting on Passover ? Thank you

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If one counts the omer by saying the count only in English (or another language) and not Hebrew, is the mitzvah still valid?

Question
It is not mentioned that Rabbi Akiva mourned or reflected on the petira of his students but rather swiftly sought to rebuild. A) Did Rabbi Akiva mourn, perhaps even assume some responsibility for the void in his talmidim? B) It is not clear whether his iconic mantra v’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha was said as a result or throughout . In my small scope of vision, please be mochel, I’d expect to see it written, to learn (and no, I’m a woman and do not learn gemorah, mishnayos) that Rebbe Akiva would say he’d have an additional ways to guide his talmidim. C) It seems that Rabbi Akiva is the eternal optimist; ‘laughing’ or rather feeling a gladness at seeing the foxes at the churban because it reinforced for him the emunah of Hashem’s prophesy and promise, but nevertheless, just like a student must mourn r’l the petira of his Rebbe almost like for a father, does a Rebbe have some towards r’l a student? Yes, we can assume at times that the obvious is not written.   D) why were the students chayav misah ? Because they were on such a high madreiga? How high if they were not machshiv their colleagues, I’m assuming on a continual basis? But to emphasize the message, the lesson learned may be important to realize.   Respectfully and with appreciation, Chani