Lag B'Omer is Celebrated in Israel but Coronavirus Dampens the Bonfires and Crowds

Today is Lag B'Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer that is counted for 49 days from Passover to Shavuot. In Meron, in northern Israel, about 500,000 chasidim make an annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi) to sing, dance, and light bonfires.  

Rashbi's tomb is the epicenter of the Lag B'Omer celebrations because he was one of the students of Rabbi Akiva who survived a terrible plague that killed thousands of them, and he went on to write the Zohar, the book of Kabbalah.

In most years, thousands of buses make their way from all over Israel to the small town of Meron. This year the coronavirus pandemic has drastically reduced the number of buses, chasidim, and bonfires. 

As reported by JTA,

Traditional bonfires and other events that are held yearly at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on Mount Meron will be canceled this year. Instead, the Religious Services minister will allow three separate bonfires, each led by a prominent rabbi, in the area of the tomb to be held by special permit at different times. No more than 50 people will be permitted to participate in each bonfire, and women must be allowed equal participation. 
Last night they lit the bonfires, and though the numbers were limited, the enthusiasm of the groups that were able to dance around them was not diminished. 

Happy Lag B'Omer! Enjoy!

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