A million Israelis make the trek to the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron on the Lag BaOmer holiday yearly. Get swept into the music, the fire, the ancient mysticism, and the emotional high of the ultimate Jewish party.
Join Yishai Fleisher and his brother Joshua Fleisher (videographer) as they share their pilgrimage to Meron.
Meron, a northern Israeli village, is the site of the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a first-century rabbi, who contributed greatly to the Mishna, is often quoted in the Talmud, and to whom is attributed authorship of the kabbalistic book – the Zohar.
The Lag BaOmer celebration, marking the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, was instituted by the rabbi himself on his deathbed, fell into secrecy for hundreds of years, and was reinstated by the Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria) in the 16th century. It is marked by torches, song and feasting.
But is this party something even more than a celebration of mysticism and Jewish history?
Special thanks to Dr. Geoffrey Rothschild, a great lover of Israel. Happy birthday Geoff!
