Lag BaOmer in the Ashlag courtyard: A large crowd participated in the central gathering held on the night of Lag B'Omer, the Rashbi's day of celebration.
On the evening of Lag BaOmer in the afternoon, the Rebbe of Shlag gave a Zohar lesson - in Idra Zota Kadisha, regarding the passing of the Rashbi, at his seminary on Shadal 4 Street in Bnei Brak.
After the lesson, the evening prayer and the counting of the Omer, the Rebbe went out to the Beit Hamidrash square - for the traditional lighting of the lamp. Before the lighting, he gave a wake-up call and called for strengthening the study of the Zohar - the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. The Rebbe noted that before Passover, the book 'Hak Le Yisrael' with the commentary on the HaSulam was published in a dotted pocket edition, and called for more and more young men and young women to take it upon themselves to join in studying the book with the commentary on the HaSulam every day.
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The audience played melodies from the Ashlag Holy Courtyard, and then the lighting took place, during which mitzvah dances were held in honor of the Rashbi's celebration, accompanied by an orchestra, for a long time.
After the dancing, the audience enjoyed a festive meal, during which a "halaka" was held for the Hasidic children. The meal continued until close to midnight.
In the morning, after the Shacharit prayer, the Rebbe, along with his son, the late Rabbi David Aharon Ashlag, left for a several-day visit to the United States, on the occasion of the Bar Mitzvah celebration for a child who will enter the yoke of mitzvot this week.
And why did the Rebbe take off from Lag BaOmer instead of going to Meron?
About 14 years ago, the boy's parents came to the hostel of the Rebbe, who was then in the US, to ask for a blessing for their children, after they had been married for 17 years.
At the behest of the Rebbe, one of the greatest inspirers and experts in the subject of the Ketubah as a law and Shemot, the boy's family replaced the old Ketubah with a new one. After about a year, they embraced a son - and this week the boy will turn 13 years old.
The Rebbe was invited to be the guest of honor and participate in the Bar Mitzvah celebration.
The Rebbe will return to Israel towards the end of the week, and will participate in the Bar Mitzvah celebration for his twin grandchildren.
Watch Lag BaOmer events at Ashlag Courtyard • Photography Yehuda Perkovitz
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