For the first time that I can recall, Lag Baomer might get rained out. Jews pray for rain immediately after Sukkot in the fall. On Sukkot we eat outside in booths covered with branches, so we need it to stay dry. On the first day of Passover, we stop asking for rain and request dew instead. Just to keep things moist. That was a month ago. Rain at any other time of year is considered a curse, because it's bad for certain crops, like wheat that needs to be cut. But it's not that unusual. It even rained once in mid-summer. Today it drizzled, and rain is predicted for tomorrow and Sunday. I am not sure how the farmers feel about it, but the lakes, streams, and groundwater could sure use … [Read more...]