Due to the proximity of Lag BaOmer this year to the start of Shabbat, Chief Rabbi Grat Lau called on the public to arrive and return from Meron early - so as not to cause mass desecration of Shabbat for the security and rescue teams stationed on the mountain.
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""One of the most sublime days of the year is the day of celebration of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, Zia," Rabbi Lau wrote in a letter he published. "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 bonfire' in honor of the divine Tanna. Many reasons have been given for lighting it, both in the revealed and the secret ways. In the Book of Zohar it is written that while Rabbi Shimon sat and studied Torah, there was a fire burning around him.",
He added: "This year, Lag BaOmer falls on Friday. Many are coming to attend the Rashbi's memorial service in Meron. In order to avoid causing desecration of Shabbat, and to allow the security forces responsible for maintaining public order to complete the special preparations that include a large number of police officers and rescue forces - I appeal to the public coming to Meron for the Rashbi's memorial service, please advance your arrival time to the Rashbi's memorial service and be sure to leave your home as early as possible. The right to observe Shabbat will stand for you and your household forever.".
In addition, the Chief Rabbi calls for prayers for the healing of coronavirus patients around the world. "In light of the painful rumors about our fellow Israelites around the world who are in need of salvation, it is appropriate that we - the inhabitants of the Holy Land - pray that the sick will recover and the healthy will not get sick. And we will add at the end of each prayer to say, 'Our brothers, the whole house of Israel, etc.'" And the righteousness of the righteous will protect us and all of Israel and the entire world.".
