There is also a custom on Lag Ba’omer for children to pay with bows and arrows. It is believed that one who donates the Chai Rottel will be blessed with all forms of miraculous salvations. Chai Rottel is a liquid measurement of about 54 liters, referring to the amount of beverages, including wine and spirits, one should provide for the enjoyment of visitors to Meron on Lag Ba’omer. Hence, Lag Ba’omer can be seen as a celebration of escaping death.Ī rather intriguing though highly questionable custom of Lag Ba’omer is that of the “Chai Rottel” segula. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (and his son) had fled to a cave in the city of Peki’in and hid there for thirteen years, surviving on the fruit of a carob tree and a spring that miraculously appeared. Many consider creating a holiday out of Lag Ba’omer appropriate because Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai was miraculously saved from the Roman government, who pronounced death upon him for his spreading of Torah. Other authorities were disturbed at the idea of inventing “new” holidays and observances.Īlthough some authorities have opposed Lag Ba’omer in the past, the observance of Lag Ba’omer has it’s supporters as well. Such a practice is actually a Biblical prohibition known as “Bal Tashchit”, needlessly destroying items of value.
This is primarily due to what was once a widespread practice of burning items of value in the Lag Ba’omer bonfires. It is interesting to note that there have been authorities in the past who have attempted to have the Lag Ba’omer celebrations eliminated entirely.
As such, one who is unable to reach a grave on the actual Yartzeit of the deceased should at least attempt to do so during these days. The three days prior as well as the three days following a Yartzeit are considered to be a component of the Yartzeit. Lag Ba’omer is also the Yartzeit of the Rema and many visit his grave in Cracow on that day. Similarly, it is considered especially auspicious to visit the tombs of any Tzaddikim on Lag Ba’omer. Many barren women have been helped and sick have been healed when they made a promise and donation for this holy site.†Those who are unable to travel to Meron should at least study the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai throughout the day of Lag Ba’omer. Rabbi Ovadia Bartenura writes: ““On the eighteenth day of Iyar, the day of the Yartzeit of R’ Shimon Bar Yochai (the Rashbi), people from surrounding areas gather and light huge bonfires aside from lighting candles.
Once there, one should hold a meal in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and celebrate his life.
While one would think that a day of fasting and introspection would be in order for the Yartzeit of a Tzaddik, as is the case regarding the Yartzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu, Lag Ba’omer is different because Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai himself requested that the day of his death be celebrated.Ĭlick here to read more Those in Israel who are able to ascend to the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, located in Meron, are encouraged to do so. There were many Chassidic masters who would hold special gatherings in honor of Lag Ba’omer, complete with singing and dancing, as well as words of Torah in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Nevertheless, they are common in the Diaspora as well. There are those who have suggested that the Lag Ba’omer celebrations are intended to be reserved primarily for the Land of Israel. Bonfires are also widespread on Lag Ba’omer representing a number of things, including the “fire” of Torah. Among his many accomplishments, it is widely believed that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai authored the Zohar, the primary work on kabbala. Additionally, the extensive festivities of Lag Ba’omer, complete with music and dancing, celebrates the Yartzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Leading these is the celebration which is intended to mark the cessation of the plague which had killed 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva’s students. There are a number of well-known and beloved customs relating to the celebrations of Lag Ba’omer.
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