Lag Ba'omer

Communications Minister:

'You will have blood on your hands'

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi lashed out at the judicial system for ordering a halt to broadcasts by a haredi radio station in northern Israel.

Two fires and a Press Conference

One burned to destroy. One burned to endure. The third spoke, but said too little too late. Opinion.

Family rescued after Lag Ba'omer hike goes wrong

Rescue volunteers evacuate grandmother and five grandchildren, en route to Meron, from Nahal Amud escarpment.

Israel Dog Unit's Lag B'Omer show for special needs

The Israel Dog Unit, a nonprofit specializing in working dogs, held a special dog demonstration for dozens of children with special needs from the Wings of Krembo organization in Yehud.

Hostage's mother: 'I've come to give thanks'

Ditza, mother of released hostage Avinatan Or, visited Meron and expressed thanks for the personal and national miracles, 'Our strength is a higher power; one that nothing can withstand.'

Hebron:

Bonfire sparks controversy, council head is not apologizing

Hebron Council head responds to burning of terror flags during Lag Ba'omer, saying that Israel has 'woken up' and any attempt to revive Arab nationalist aspirations will be uprooted at its source.

"This is our small victory"

Widow of October 7th hero marries again

Avia, the widow of Yishay Slotki who was killed in action on the Gaza border on October 7 alongside his brother Noam, married Micha Goldenberg on Lag Ba'Omer.

Watch:

IDF soldiers celebrate Lag Ba'Omer in the snow

Arutz Sheva has obtained footage of IDF soldiers on Mount Hermon celebrating a white Lag Ba'Omer with a warm bonfire after a rare May cold front brought snow to Israel's highest peak.

60,000 attend central Lag Ba'Omer lighting in Jerusalem

Appropriately 60,000 people attended last night’s central Lag BaOmer lighting in Jerusalem, led by Rabbi Elimelech Biderman, according to an estimate by the Israel Police.

Hundreds attempt to enter Meron without authorization

Worshippers who attempted to reach the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai were caught after a long walk along roads and through forests. They were put on buses and taken away from the area.

In photos:

Lag Ba'Omer night in Meron

Lag Ba'Omer events began in Meron with bonfires lit by leading rabbis. Attendence was limited due to security concerns.

Lessons from Lag Ba'Omer

Rectifying the error of Rabbi Akiva’s students

From any tragedy, we must probe the root cause in order to rectify it. A Gemara provides a reason, yet a Midrash offers another.

Watch:

Lag Ba'Omer celebrations at Hashmonaim Brigade

The new recruits to the haredi brigade held a special bonfire lighting together at their base to mark the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Smotrich in Hebron:

'We’re determined to win, praying for success'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News at the Religious Zionism movement’s central Lag Ba'Omer bonfire at the foot of the Cave of the Patriarchs: "We are determined to defeat Iran."

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Zionist yeshiva students celebrate Lag Ba'Omer in Hebron

Religious Zionist students, Mercaz Harav Yeshiva Dean, Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, and the Chief Rabbi of Kiryat Arba, Rabbi Avraham Schwartz, celebrate Lag Ba'Omer with a bonfire at the Cave of the Patriarchs.

Watch:

Lag Ba'Omer at the tomb of Rabbi Yehuda Bar Ilai

Safed Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu lit a Lag Ba'Omer bonfire at the tomb of the 2nd-century Tanna, Rabbi Yehuda Bar Ilai, in northern Israel

Watch:

Lag Ba'Omer celebrations begin in Meron

Annual Lag Ba'Omer celebrations featuring bonfires begin at the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. This year, due to the security situation, attendance at the event is limited.

Lag Ba'Omer:

When the world catches up to its secrets

There is another type of secret-knowledge that, even if explained, would remain a secret. That is the theme of Lag Ba'Omer.

Lag Ba'Omer with the Jewish Amazons at the pyramids

The little known story of how in May 1942, dozens of Jewish soldiers lit a Lag Ba'Omer bonfire in the shadow of the pyramids, dancing and singing in honor of Rashbi and Jewish independence.

Rabbi warns: 'Do not go to Meron, it risks your lives'

Rabbi Yigal Cohen warns public to refrain from visiting Meron during the Lag Ba'omer holiday due to tangible security threats. 'Our enemies are waiting for a crowd to gather there.'

Wintry forecast for Lag Ba'omer

Forecasters predict rain in northern Israel, along with unusual May snowfall.

Haredi MK announces: I won't travel to Meron this year

Haredi MK Meir Porush says he won't attend Meron Lag Ba'omer event this year, reveals details behind decision to cancel it.

Rabbi David Yosef's severe warning to Meron visitors

Chief rabbi Rabbi David Yosef criticized those planning to ascend Mount Meron on Lag BaOmer in defiance of instructions as 'having no connection to our Torah.'

Roads to be closed

Police announce cancellation of Lag B'Omer celebration

The police announced preparations to cancel the Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai celebration in Meron, following Home Front Command instructions and the Prime Minister's decision.

Jerusalem Ministry: No Lag Ba'omer celebrations in Meron

Jerusalem Affairs Ministry Director-General pens sharp letter to Transportation Ministry counterpart, warning Lag Ba'omer celebrations in Meron cannot take place without proper busing.

Annual event:

Chabad processions to be held on Lag Ba'omer

Chabad emissaries to organize hundreds of parades on Lag Ba'omer, featuring performances, raffles, and prize books, 'We continue the tradition initiated by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.'

The new plan for Lag Ba'omer on Mount Meron

Following Home Front Command's updated guidelines, Israel moves to create new plan for central Lag Ba'omer celebrations on Mount Meron.

Home Front Command restricts gatherings in northern Israel

Ahead of the Lag Ba'omer holiday, the Home Front Command releases new guidelines reducing the number of participants at open-air gatherings in northern Israel.

Meron on Lag Ba'omer: Up to 1,500 people in each area

New plan limits Meron Lag Ba'omer gatherings to capped groups with timed entry, aiming to preserve tradition while ensuring safety under current security restrictions.

Appeal to bar sex offender Rabbi from Lag B'Omer ceremony

The Movement for Quality Government has demanded that Rabbi Eliezer Berland and the Shuvu Banim community be barred from participating in the Lag BaOmer bonfire lightings in Meron.

Nationwide ban on Lag Ba'omer bonfires amid fire risk

Nationwide restrictions take effect ahead of Lag Ba'omer, allowing fires only in designated areas as authorities deploy forces to prevent wildfires.

Mass-casualty concerns

Netanyahu cancels Lag Ba’Omer Meron celebrations

The decision follows security assessments and updated Home Front Command restrictions limiting gatherings in the Meron area and nearby communities close to the Lebanese border.

Lag B'Omer celebrations in Meron due to be cancelled

Government ministries have been instructed to pause preparations for the mass Lag B'Omer celebrations at Meron due to fears of renewed fighting. Ticket sales have been halted.

The Meron pilgrimage crisis has been resolved

The crisis surrounding the Meron pilgrimage has been resolved after the state committed to covering any payment or fine imposed on the Committee of Five in connection with the upcoming Lag BaOmer event.

Meron pilgrimage at risk?

The Israel Police announced that, at this stage, no approval will be given for holding the annual pilgrimage on Lag BaOmer due to serious delays in safety work at the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Djerba pilgrimage to welcome more worshippers

Organizers announce that this year’s Jewish pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue on Tunisia’s Djerba island will be open to everyone after two years of scaled-down events due to safety fears.

New 'Meron Law' aims to save lives of Meron pilgrims

The law aims to regulate the mass Lag BaOmer celebrations in Meron, while imposing restrictions and safety guidelines to protect the tens of thousands of worshippers who visit the site each year.

Haredi editorial declares: 'Secularism will not survive'

Hamevaser frames Meron pilgrimage as symbol of enduring Torah tradition amid rising tensions over national identity and yeshiva draft debate.

From Lebanon to Gaza:

Haredi soldiers celebrate Lag B'Omer

Netzach Yehuda haredi soldiers celebrate Lag B'Omer in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai near the Gaza border, 'warriors with a great soul.'

Jerusalem thoroughfare transformed by joyful Lag Ba'omer parade

Over 1,000 children and their parents join colorful procession led by Chabad’s Rabbi Yisrael Goldberg, replacing protests with Torah, unity, and celebration in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

For Lag Ba'Omer:

Life Is a Wedding: The finite as a portal to the infinite

Why Reb Shimon ben Yoachai's passing came to be known as a "Wedding,"

Lag Ba'omer: When the soul is bound to G-d

It is taught that on the day of his passing, Rabbi Shimon taught secrets of the Torah that had never been heard before.

Debris from Houthi missile falls in Alon Shvut

Arrow 3 system intercepts missile launched from Yemen in attack on the night of Lag Ba'Omer.

Watch live:

Thousands celebrate Lag Ba'Omer in Meron

Lag B'Omer festivities kick off with the bonfire lighting by the Boyaner Rebbe at the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron, northern Israel.

The unique light of Lag Ba'Omer

This ability, to see the good even in something that appears faulty, is what God demanded of Moses before he could redeem Israel, and likewise of Isaiah. When Rachel saw this trait in Akiva, she chose to marry him.

For Lag Ba'Omer:

Self-Sacrifice in our generation

Not only Rashbi, but all those who follow in his path throughout the generations, especially in our generation, the generation of revival and the ingathering of exiles - whether they are aware of it or not - are sustained by the merit of his and their self-sacrifice.

Meron prepares for Lag B’Omer with enhanced safety measures

Lag B'Omer celebrations in Meron begin Thursday evening with major safety reforms in place, key lessons learned from 2021 tragedy.

Days Before Lag B'Omer:

Missing person cases spike in Meron region

As throngs of pilgrims ascend to Meron for Lag B'Omer, the Israel Dog Unit has been rushing to locate missing persons in the woods around the city.

For Lag Ba'Omer

Reminiscences and reflections on Lag Ba’Omer and its lessons

The pernicious disease of disrespect continues to infect our times. Disdain of others can also lead to demonization and baseless hatred of the sort that led to the destruction of the Second Temple. Let us overcome it.

For Lag Ba'Omer:

Eretz Yisrael and the Secrets of Torah: Introduction to the Zohar

The Talmud teaches that it is impossible to come to the Land of Israel without difficulties and suffering. Learning the secrets of Torah is the remedy. Read

Ahead of Lag B'Omer

MDA issues safety guide for pilgrimage at Meron

Following the 2021 Meron Disaster, MDA urges the public to adhere to safety precautions.

Ahead of Lag Ba'omer:

Jerusalem teen indicted for sabotaging safety infrastructure

19-year-old accused of extensive vandalism to security and emergency systems meant to protect Lag Ba'omer pilgrims arrested after hiding in Tzfat warehouse.

Tunisia:

Jewish man attacked with axe days before El-Ghriba pilgrimage

Jewish jeweler wounded in an axe attack on Tunisia’s Djerba Island just days ahead of the Lag Ba’Omer pilgrimage to the ancient El-Ghriba synagogue. Motive remains unclear.

Due to risk of fires:

Israel bans bonfires - including on Lag Ba'omer

Israel Fire and Rescue Authority bans bonfires nationwide due to extreme weather conditions.

Lag B'Omer:

Visitors to be allowed only five hours in Meron

The Ministry of Transport clarified today that in order to ensure the safety of the thousands of worshippers in Meron, visitors will be allowed to stay in the Meron compound on Lag BaOmer for up to 5 hours.

Committee appoints Meir Porush to head Meron Lag Ba'omer prep

Following declaration of Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, committee elects Jerusalem Minister Meir Porush to lead preparations for the Lag Ba'omer celebrations in Meron.

Rabbi injured in Meron:

'The policeman pushed me forcefully and I fell on my face'

"My entire face hurt and they gave me stitches in the hospital," Rabbi Avraham Kroizer recounted. When asked if he would forgive the policeman, he responded: "If he repents, then by all means."

Tunisia:

US, French diplomats pay tribute to victims of Djerba attack

Diplomats from the United States and France visit Ghriba synagogue on Tunisia's Djerba island to commemorate a deadly attack there during Lag Ba'Omer celebrations last year.

Difficult to watch:

Police violence in Meron: Elderly man thrown on the floor

Footage released Sunday evening shows police officers pushing elderly individual, throwing him to the ground.

Police force hundreds out of Meron

Police have stopped buses full of passengers trying to reach Meron and forced dozens of worshipers out of Meron after they began destroying police barricades.