If you’d like to know more about Lag Ba’Omer read some of these essays and articles.
Here in Israel it’s what the British would call Bonfire Night. The articles mentioned above will explain why, but all over the country children set up bonfires in some of the most ridiculous places and the authorities just look on and smile.
Later on when they are lit at night the municipalities send fire engines driving around all the neighborhoods to keep an eye on things and check that none of the bonfires get out of control.
Is this the kind of thing that goes on where you live?
My American relation who was with us as we wandered around admiring the local bonfires couldn’t believe her eyes.
“ Do you know what would happen to someone in the US who decided to light a bonfire on the sidewalk along the main road ????”
Although the children have been collecting wood and ‘anything else’ they can find, for the last month, when it comes to lighting the bonfires parents are on hand and the whole family and neighborhood come out to enjoy the festivities
darkness falls –time to light
it’s off
the children enjoy the bonfire from a safe distance under parental supervision
dancing and singing the traditional songs
This is just the ‘local’ fun – the real celebrations are on a mountain in the north of Israel – Meron - where hundreds of thousands gather for the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.
2 comments:
My father's Yahreszeit is Lag BaOmer and I like to think that the bonfires mark a celebration of his life.
My mother's maiden name was also Goldberg.
I have certainly never seen bonfires lit on a pavement like that in Leicester. It's a wonder you're all still intact. Hope you had a good day.
Post a Comment