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Due to the security situation and following the restrictions imposed on Mount Meron this year, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing this year for the arrival of hundreds of celebrants expected to come to the ceremonies and “Chalakeh or Upsherin” that will take place at the Western Wall Plaza during Lag Ba’Omer.
On Saturday night, the eve of Lag Ba’Omer, as is done every year, there will be a lighting in honor of the divine sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, with the participation of hundreds of worshippers who will come to take part in the traditional lighting, accompanied by a musical ensemble. Here is the link for the live broadcast of the eve of Lag Ba’Omer:
As part of the preparations, a special area will be set up at the Western Wall Plaza where “Chalakeh/Upsherin” ceremonies will be held for children who have reached the age of three. They will come together with their parents and families to celebrate their first haircut at the Western Wall. The ceremony will take place throughout the afternoon of Lag Ba’Omer until the end of the holiday at sunset.
During the ceremony, songs of Meron and Lag Ba’Omer will be played, and light refreshments will be served to the celebrating public in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.
The Custom of the “Chalakeh/Upsherin”:
On Lag Ba’Omer, it is customary to celebrate the ceremony of the “Chalakeh/Upsherin” – in honor of the first haircut when a child reaches the age of three. This event is marked on Lag Ba’Omer, the day that concludes the days of mourning and mourning customs, and marks the beginning of the days of joy when young children can get haircuts. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the process of child-rearing.
The origin of the custom is mentioned in the Bible, when the prophet Samuel was brought by his mother Hannah to the Tabernacle after being weaned, in order to grow up there – a process of maturation, if you will.
Following the example of Hannah, some have the custom of bringing their three-year-olds for a haircut, symbolizing maturation, to the tomb of the Prophet Samuel or to holy sites in the Land of Israel in general, while the common custom in Israel is to hold the traditional ceremony at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation continues to accompany you in the important and meaningful moments in your life and invites you, parents of three-year-olds, to celebrate the “Chalakeh/Upsherin” ceremony at the Western Wall – a special ceremony to mark the first haircut, during which we will symbolically cut the hair of your child accompanied by blessings and great joy for the entire family, strengthened by the sacred and special atmosphere of the Western Wall. An unforgettable experience for parents, the child, and the entire family.
