The saintly tannah Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the “father” of kabbalah and author of the holy Zohar, was a Torah giant, leaving everlasting imprints on his generations and for all generations to come. Throughout his lofty life-span, Rashbi witnessed many important eras of our nation’s history: he beheld the destruction of the second Bais Hamikdash and the city of Beitar.
When Rabbi Shimon realized the Romans were on his trails, thus endangering his life, he and his son Rabbi Eliezar hid in the caves of Tekoa. For twelve long years, Rabbi Shimon and his son explored the depths of Torah, while sustaining on the water spring and carob tree Hashem miraculously provided for them. They hid for an additional 12 months, where they prepared to face the outside material world after bathing in holiness for the past 12 years.
On the day of his demise, Rabbi Shimon gathered his holy students and revealed to them the secrets of the sacred Torah. He then commanded them to commemorate the anniversary of his death with joy and celebration “because it is my day of joy.”
For thousands of years, Yidden of all stripes of yiddishkeit have trekked the paths leading to the gravesite of the holy tannah. Hundreds of thousands of Yidden have since danced around blazing bonfires and rejoiced on the day of Lag Ba’omer. In the 15th century, thousands journeyed from Asia and Africa to celebrate Lag Ba’omer in Meron. Tzaddikim from all generations traveled across the globe to visit Meron on this auspicious day. As it is told about the saintly Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh, who with his hands and feet climbed the mountain leading to Meron, and was overcome with emotion and joy upon reaching the top.
Today, thousands of Yidden of all walks of life make their annual trip to celebrate Lag Ba’omer in Meron. Hand in hand, Yidden dance, the joy and simcha permeating the air.
Additionally, thousands donate annually the legendary Chai Rotel Mashka in merit of a yeshuah, and indeed, miracles do happen!