“Lag BaOmer is one of the most enjoyable Jewish celebrations,” says Rabbi Shimon Kramer, director of Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh. “It actually commemorates the passing of a great Jewish leader, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, but is celebrated in a positive, upbeat way, as Rabbi Shimon willed it.”
Lag BaOmer, which falls this year on Thursday, May 23, is a festive day on the Jewish calendar, celebrated with outings, bonfires, and other joyous events. Many visit the resting place of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, Israel, whose Yahrzeit(anniversary of his passing) the day marks. On the day of his passing, Rabbi Shimon instructed his disciples to mark the date as “the day of my joy.” Each Lag Ba’Omer we celebrate Rabbi Shimon’s life and the revelation of the esoteric soul of Torah, which continues to be an inspiration to the Jewish People.
Lag Ba’Omer also commemorates another joyous event. In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot a plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva “because they did not act respectfully towards each other.” On Lag Ba’Omer the dying ceased. Thus Lag Ba’Omer also carries the theme of ‘Ahavat Yisrael’, the imperative to love and respect one’s fellow.
To celebrate, come out on Thursday, May 23rd, from 6:00-7:30 pm for a delightful outing together with family and friends featuring Eric Wilzig, world famous illusionist as seen on America’s Got Talent!
There will be also be a Kosher BBQ Hot Dog Dinner, fun Jewish crafts, sports with Super Soccer Stars, and s’mores & stories around the fire pit.
For more information, contact Chanie at 516-833-3057 or email chanie@chabadjewishlife.org or visit the website: ChabadJewishLife.org/bonfire