Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai passed away on Lag BaOmer, the thirty-third day of the Omer counting. The period of the Omer begins on the second night of Pesach and leads up to Shavuot, fifty days later. It is marked by many customs related to mourning, because it was during this period that 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva, men of exceptional caliber, were struck by a plague for not according each other the proper love and respect. On Lag BaOmer, the plague completely ceased.
Lag BaOmer also marks the day of Rabbi Shimon's passing. He was the author of the Zohar and was considered to be the tzaddik that brought all shefa and blessing into the world, a function he possesses to this very day. Before he left the world 2000 years ago, he announced that the day of his passing should be marked every year by celebration, not mourning. The day itself is filled with a tremendous spiritual light every single year because of the secret wisdom of the Zohar he revealed in the world, and this is why it is a day of rejoicing. In contrast to many other great Sages who gazed into the future and feared for the spiritual fate of the Jewish people, Rabbi Shimon declared that through the wisdom of the Zohar, every Jew, no matter where they may have fallen, will be ultimately restored to their place. Until today, Lag BaOmer is celebrated with special festivity throughout the world, but especially in Israel. There is dancing and singing together with large torches and bonfires that can be seen throughout the country from great distances.
The intensity of the day is felt most of all in Meron, facing Tsfat, at the resting place of Rabbi Shimon. According to the most recent official figures, close to 500,000 Jews from every conceivable background converge on the site, making it one of the most popular national festivals. On this day, it is a time-honored custom to give the first haircut to boys who have reached the age of three, leaving them with sidecurls, called "peyos." Many come from outside of Israel as well to experience the unique holiness and extraordinary spiritual benefit of the day.
As a time-honored tradition, the Arizal and his students strongly emphasized the profound benefit of rejoicing in honor of Rabbi Shimon on Lag BaOmer. Afterwards, the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples, who continue the traditions based on the Kabbalah, also strengthened this custom. Rebbe Nachman of Breslev spoke of the greatness of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, as well, revealing his own connection to him through the discourse printed at the beginning of Likutey Moharan, where it is understood that they share the same soul.
"Tzaddikim are greater after their passing than when they were alive" (Tractate Chullin 7b). Anyone who has been in Meron on Lag BaOmer can attest to the truth of this well-known statement from the Talmud. The sheer number of people who continue to visit his gravesite in Meron on Lag B'Omer, as well as throughout the year, indicates that the spiritual power of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai lives on.
Don't forget to send us your Hebrew names (ben / bat your mother's Hebrew name), plus any special requests, and they will be brought to Meron this Lag B'Omer to be included in the prayers in the merit of Rabbi Shimon. It is a day that can bring miracles to those in need.
And please donate! This is what Jews do! The merit of tzedaka to Tsfat on this day is very great. Particularly to those outside of Israel, it will only strengthen your connection to an important channel of blessing for the entire Jewish people. May we see miracles together!
All donations are 100% tax-deductible in the US and go directly to support Torah and chesed activities in the Holy City of Tsfat. May your generous tzedaka open a wellspring of blessing for you and the entire Jewish people.
