Rabbi Edelstein: 'We do not travel to Meron'

Leading Lithuanian-haredi rabbi calls on followers not to travel to Meron on Lag Ba'omer. 'We do not travel; we sit and learn.'

Lag Ba'Omer 5781

This semi-holiday is utterly unique in the calendar of the Jewish people.because it commemmorates a passive event.

Chief rabbi urges: Come to Meron early, leave for home early

Rabbi David Lau, Chief Rabbi of Israel, calls on public to leave Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's gravesite early on Friday.

Rabbis: 'Traveling to Meron? Not on Friday'

Rabbinic council calls on Lag Ba'omer pilgrims to arrive in Meron Thursday evening, leave early Friday morning, to avoid Shabbat descration.

Haredi MK: 'I have no complaints against Religious Zionism'

Dep. Ed. Min. Porush says Religious Zionism made 'a commitment to voters' not to join Arab-supported gov't. 'I have no complaints.'

Ahead of Lag Ba'omer, PM Netanyahu meets haredi MKs

Police have not yet been issued updates on restrictions on gatherings in Meron over Lag Ba'omer, UTJ MKs say.

United Hatzalah completes emergency preparations for Lag Ba'omer

United Hatzalah completes preparations for safeguarding Lag Ba'omer event at Meron.

Interior Minister: 'No limits on Lag Ba'omer pilgrimage'

'Infection rates are low, no reason to limit number of people in an open area,' Interior Min. Deri says.

A virtual tour in heritage sites for American students

Live broadcast offering virtual tour of Israel's historic sites 'meant the world' to quarantined students, Manhattan teacher says.

Rashbi - The special power to look deeply inside yourself

The power of Rashbi to see the pure essence of any Jewish soul is probably the main reason that millions of Jews visit his grave every year

Lag Ba'Omer in Meron:

Religious Zionism completes bonfire preparations

This year due to pandemic there will be limited number of bonfires with only 50 participants; Lighting to be broadcast live on Arutz Sheva.

Live:

Lag Ba'Omer festivities in Meron commence

Lag Ba'omer events take place this year subject to Health Ministry directives.

Reclaiming Lag Ba'Omer

There is no halakhic significance to lighting bonfires, but there are strong halakhic injunctions to protect the environment.

Watch: Police block roads to Meron

Police begin extensive enforcement operation to prevent banned gathering at Rashbi tomb in Meron during pandemic.

Secret of the Zohar

Author Tzvi Fishman insists Torah learning is greatest light there is and offers his new book, Secret of the Zohar, as a free download.

Jerusalem preschools to open on Lag Ba'omer

Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch calls on government to decide whether preschools should open on Lag Ba'omer, says parent pressure is 'wrong.'

Meron residents ask government to permit Lag Ba'omer rentals

Residents of northern town where Lag Ba'omer celebrations are traditionally held ask government to cancel COVID-19 restrictions on rentals.

MDA preparing for this year's limited Lag BaOmer events at Meron

Amid coronavirus pandemic, medical teams preparing for scaled-down festivities at Meron in northern Israel.

Lag Ba'Omer: The secrets of the bonfire

Judy Simon delves into Lag Ba'Omer and the bonfires. Gather round, Secrets revealed.

Watch: Lag Ba'omer celebrations at Beit El yeshiva

Yeshiva Head Rabbi Zalman Melamed opens celebrations with traditional torch-lighting, after which students and locals commence dancing.

Watch: Lag Ba'omer celebrations in Meron

Tens of thousands arrive at burial place of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai for Lag Ba'omer torch-lighting and celebration.

Jerusalem municipality begins dismantling bonfires

Dozens of would-be bonfires dismantled by Jerusalem municipality due to weather-induced safety concerns.

Lag Ba’omer vs. Eurovision: The blessings and the curses

The rise of anti-Semitism and the curse of Exile.

Extreme heat wave towards end of week

On Lag Ba'omer, bonfire holiday, temperatures expected to hit 104F prompt general bonfire ban.

Chief rabbis: 'Reduce the number of Lag Ba'omer bonfires'

'Obey the instructions of rescue forces and avoid lighting fires in dangerous places,' chief rabbis say, ahead of expected heat wave.

Lag Ba'Omer and weddings

Will the Fire and Rescue Authority ban all Lag Ba'omer bonfires?

Heat wave may force Fire and Rescue Authority to ban all bonfires, due to the risk of flames spreading out of control.

Just like any other country...

Pilgrimage to Tunisia synagogue ends without incident

About 3,000 people took part in annual Jewish pilgrimage to Ghriba synagogue on island of Djerba.

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu got it right on sexual abuse

Meet the teacher of Mystical Torah

Why do we celebrate Lag B'Omer if it's the anniversary of Rabbi Shimon's death?

Watch: Lag Ba'omer celebrations continue in Meron

Hundreds of thousands celebrate at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, as Lag Ba'omer festivities continue this morning.

Worshippers flock to Tunisia synagogue for Lag Ba'Omer

Thousands of pilgrims celebrate Lag Ba'Omer at the Ghriba synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba.

Up to 30 injured in Stamford Hill Lag Ba'omer explosion

Multiple people treated following explosion as bonfire lit for Lag Ba'omer celebrations in London Hasidic community.

How Rabbi Akiva changed the world

When do we know a sign is from above? Is there a time to heed signs or could the challenge possibly be to ignore them?

Tzohar: Safety supersedes traditional bonfires

Rabbi David Stav: Even Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai would prefer that we act in a responsible and safe manner.

Lag Ba'Omer: The unusual holiday

The fire and bow of Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai

3 arrested for burning Israeli flag on Lag Ba'Omer

Adult and 2 teenagers arrested for burning Israeli flag on Lag Ba'Omer. Police seek suspects in burning of effigies of soldiers.

Watch: Lag Baomer festivities in Meron

Watch this year's Lag Baomer celebrations, held at the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Tens of thousands spent Shabbat in Meron

50,000 people spend Shabbat prior to Lag Baomer in tents in Meron, Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah prepare for any possible emergency.

Finance Minister works to aid Meron visitors

Finance Minister says Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's gravesite 'close to his heart,' promises to do everything he can to aid site's visitors.

Watch: Homes evacuated across Jerusalem as fires rage

Out of control blaze in Ramot forest likely caused by Lag BaOmer bonfire, while fires rage near Gilo neighborhood and Mevaseret.

Watch: Lag Ba'Omer celebration showcases Jewish unity

Jewish Americans say Meron bonfire is the "craziest" they've ever seen.

Beit Shemesh residents honor terror victim on Lag Ba’omer

In addition to traditional commemoration of Rashbi, Ramat Beit Shemesh residents honor terror victim Rabbi Yeshiyahu Krishevsky.

Introducing: Yeshivas Ohr Rashbi

With Lag Ba'Omer almost upon us, we invite you to be a vital part of an amazing project.

Uproar over men-only road to Meron

Lag Ba'Omer 'Hilula' celebration has two roads - one for men and one for women - despite anti-segregation laws.

Watch: Netanyahu makes surprise visit at Lag Ba'Omer bonfire

Prime Minister surprises residents of Kiryat HaYovel neighborhood in capital, joining them ahead of Lag Ba'Omer Thursday night.

Chabad creates colorful children's Bible

Children across Israel to receive copies at Lag Ba'Omer festivities.

Watch: Masses flock to Meron for Lag Ba'Omer Hilula

Traditional bonfire celebration run by Boyan hassidic sect draws hundreds of thousands. Arutz Sheva is at the scene.

Celebrate Lag Ba’omer safely

Building a fire, watching a fire, extinguishing a fire. Do you know what to do?

Tunisian Official Denies Terror Threats Against Jews

"There are no threats" against Israelis or Jews, insists Tunisian official after Israel issues a travel warning.

Terror Alert: Jews Warned of 'Concrete' Attack Plot in Tunisia

Counter-Terrorism Bureau issues warning that Jews should not visit Tunisia over concrete info regarding Lag Ba'Omer terror plot.

Muslim Terrorists Stab Jewish Man in Tunisia

Gabriel Ozen, 38, saved by local shop owners. But the terrorist is freed after just one hour - and threats of a Muslim riot.

An 'Upsherin' for the Son of an Lebanese Soldier

David, 3, undergoes ritual hair-cutting ceremony in Meron - in culmination of a family's rescue from abuse.

Special Broadcast

Watch Arutz Sheva's Lag Ba'omer Video Broadcast

Arutz Sheva gives you coverage and interviews from the Tomb of Rashbi in Meron and the Tomb of Shimon Hatzadik in Jerusalem.

Haaretz 'Fabricated' Story About 'Settler Attack' in Hevron

Leftist publication called out by Arutz Sheva blogger, after reporting on Lag Ba'omer 'assault' which never happened.

In Pictures: Lag Ba'Omer at the Tomb of Shimon Hatzaddik

Lag Ba'omer celebrations took place in Jerusalem at the tomb of Shimon the Righteous.

Over 300 People Treated for Medical Injuries in Meron

Medical teams still stationed in Meron to treat additional injuries after hundreds treated at crowded bonfire site.

In Pictures: Celebrating Lag Ba'omer in Meron

Festivities kick off in the northern Israeli city of Meron as pilgrims flock to the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.