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.
geniza
Prayers from Across the World – Even Iran: Western Wall Notes Collected Ahead of Passover
From Iran to Israel: In the shadow of Operation Roaring Lion and ahead of Passover, tens of thousands of prayer notes were removed from between the stones of the Western Wall and transferred for geniza (ritual burial).
19 Adar 5786
March 8, 2026
