The month of Iyar in Judaism is the second month of the Hebrew calendar, counting from the calendar order established in Exodus ch 12. It falls between Nisan and Sivan and typically corresponds to April-May in the Gregorian calendar. Some of the observances we cover are...The Counting of the Omer! The most prominent observance during Iyar is the counting of the Omer, which begins on the second night of Passover and continues for 49 days until Shavuot. This period is a time of semi-mourning, traditionally observed by refraining from joyous activities such as weddings and parties. Yom HaZikaron: On the 4th of Iyar, Israel observes the Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Yom HaAtzmaut occurs immediately following Yom HaZikaron. Iyar 5 is when Israel celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut, Independence Day, commemorating the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Also, the 33rd day of the Omer the 18th of Iyar is Lag BaOmer, a minor holiday celebrating a break in the mourning period of the Omer. It is traditionally associated with the cessation of a plague during the time of Rabbi Akiva and marks various events in Jewish history. These holidays and observances make the month of Iyar a time of remembrance, celebration, and spiritual introspection in the Jewish calendar. All this and more on this month's podcast of Footsteps of the Messiah! Please write to us at FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com with ideas or questions! Shalom, Shalom!