Today, Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of counting the omer, marks the end of mourning for the students of Rabbi Akiva customary during Sfirat HaOmer.
According to tradition, today is the anniversary of the death of the Rashbi (Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai). He was a student of Rabbi Akiva’s and revealed to his students the secrets of Kabbala written in the book the Zohar.
Want to know where the bonfire custom comes from that we practice until today?
It is said that that a flame of fire and light enveloped the home of the Rashbi when he passed away. In his memory, and in memory of that flame, we light bonfires on Lag BaOmer.
Change Begins With You
Parashat Vayechi 5786 Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites Parashat Vayechi describes the meeting between Joseph and his father Jacob
7 Tevet 5786
December 27, 2025
