Thousands of people gathered on Wednesday in the tomb of Shimon Hatzaddik (Shimon the Righteous) in Jerusalem, to mark the passing of the man for whom the area was named and to celebrate his life.
The event began with the lighting of a bonfire by Rabbi Yaakov Yosef, son of Shas’ spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The celebrations continue into the night and until Thursday afternoon with a festive meal and dancing.