Chief Rabbi Gaon Rabbi David Lau calls on the public, who have been accustomed over the years to go to the Zion of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on Lag BaOmer, to follow the instructions and not hold bonfires at all this year.
In his letter, Rabbi Lau mentions the ancient custom of visiting the tomb of Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on Lag BaOmer and lighting bonfires, and emphasizes that due to concerns about pikuach nefesh, the instruction is not to hold bonfires this year.
The Chief Rabbi calls on the general public that instead of lighting a bonfire, one should light a candle and learn from the teachings of the Rashbi, and intercede in prayer on the day of opportunity in order to transform the measure of justice into the measure of mercy, especially on these days.
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In his letter, Rabbi Lau wrote:
""One of the most sublime days of the year is the day of celebration of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the late Rabbi of Safed. Since the golden age of Safed, when the holy Ari and his disciples ascended to Meron, this custom has been accepted, and for hundreds of years, many have ascended on this day to visit the grave of Rabbi Shimon.
The ascent to his grave also includes lighting a "fire campfire" in honor of the divine Tanna. Many reasons have been given for lighting the fire, both in the revealed and the secret ways. In the Book of Zohar it is written that while Rabbi Shimon sat and studied Torah, a fire was burning around him.
In the Gemara (Sukkah 40b), Rabbi Shimon said, "I am able to exempt the entire world from judgment," and Rashi explains, "By my right, I endure all their sins and exempt them from judgment.".
Precisely in these days, when the standard of justice is stretched to the limit, it is a time to ask the divine Tanna, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, to act to transform the standard of justice into the standard of mercy, and this day is most capable.
In the current situation, the instruction is not to make bonfires, out of concern for the protection of life. Anyone who sees what is happening around the world compared to what is happening in the Land of Israel clearly sees that the eyes of the Lord our God are upon His people, and we must continue to take all necessary precautions.
There is no doubt that the main way to connect with the righteous is through his Torah. The fire was around his Torah, but it was the Torah that created the fire. And so, on this day, we must ignite the inner nature of the Torah, which is the most important thing, as the Tanna Rabbi Shimon taught us, who was an example of devotion to the Torah and for thirteen years sat in a cave, toiling and struggling in the study of the Torah. In this state, one is able to transcend the Torah of Rabbi Shimon, delve deeper into its secrets, and connect with him by studying his Torah.
Therefore, this year, everyone will light a candle in their home in memory of the God of the Land, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, and the candle that is lit, which, from the perspective of "the candle of God, the soul of man," has the power to light the soul of man and bring him closer to our Father in Heaven.
I reiterate my call to the public that despite the easing of restrictions and the fact that we seem to have returned to normal, there is still an absolute obligation to continue to adhere to health guidelines these days.
In light of the painful rumors about our fellow Israelites around the world who are in need of salvation, it is fitting that we - the inhabitants of the Holy Land - pray that the sick will recover and the healthy will not get sick. And at the end of each prayer, we should add, "Our brothers, the whole house of Israel, etc.", and that the righteousness of the righteous will protect us and all of Israel and the entire world.".
