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.
Prayers to the Western Wall from 140 countries: “For My House shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, in keeping with tradition: Prayer notes placed between the stones of the Western Wall over the past six months have been removed and transferred for ritual burial.
25 Elul 5786
September 7, 2026
