“The heart was created to be a dwelling place for the Holy One of Blessing … who may only reside in a broken heart. Thus, a heart is only whole once it has been broken.”
—Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sudilikov
Today is Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer, selected to commemorate a suspension of the suffering that too often afflicted our people during the Roman period. Some claim the day honors the cessation of a plague that allegedly affected the students of Rabbi Akiba, others a victorious battle in the failed Jewish rebellion against the Romans, and still others, a temporary pause in Jewish persecution by the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Whatever its historical origins, Lag B’Omer introduces a day of joy into the traditionally somber Omer, providing a day for haircuts, dancing, and celebrations that are traditionally not observed during the days of the Omer. So omnipresent is the message of hope within the Jewish consciousness that even when remembering our people’s suffering, the sages arranged for a day of joy, lest we focus only upon the suffering commemorated throughout the Omer.
The day is often celebrated outdoors, amid bonfires or bows-and-arrows, with the most fervent celebrations taking place near Meron, a town in northern Israel that serves as the alleged site of Rabbi Shimon’s tomb. Our CYE students celebrated Lag B’Omer this past Sunday during our final day of classes with campfire songs, Jewish ghost stories, s’mores, and tie-dye. Let us know how you’ll celebrate Lag B’Omer @stephenwisetemple, #lagbomer!
—Rabbi Josh Knobel