benjamintired

I received the following in the http://www.halachafortoday.com daily halacha email:

1) Many people have the custom to travel to the city of Meron in the north of Eretz Yisroel for Lag B’ Omer to celebrate this day at the Tzion (gravesite) of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashb”i).

This is an age-old custom that dates back many centuries, already in the times of the Tanaim. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 493:26 and Ta’amei Haminhagim page 296 and on for an in depth list of those who used to go to the Kever Rashb”i)

Some are of the opinion that going from three days before and until three days after Lag B’Omer is also an ideal time to visit the Kever. (See Ta’amei Haminhagim page 268 footnote 43)

One who is unable to travel to the Kever can still take part in this Minhag by learning passages in the Zohar or other teachings of Rashb”i. (Ta’amei Haminhagim page 274)

2) There is a unique minhag to give out drinks to visitors in Meron at the Kever of Rashb”i referred to as “Chai Rotel Mashkeh”.

“Chai Rotel” refers to an ancient measurement equivalent to approximately 55 liters.

The Bobov Rav, Rav Benzion Halberstam Zatzal writes that giving out this drink is a merit for childless couples to be blessed with children. (Ta’amei Haminhagim page 263-264 in the footnotes)

1) One who cannot be in Meron himself to give out the Chai Rotel drinks can appoint someone in their stead to give it for them, or donate Tzedakah to an organization that will do it in their merit.

Although the original minhag was to give out wine or grape juice, nowadays other drinks, including water and carbonated beverages are given out; the main thing is that it’s a Chesed to give drinks to thirsty visitors in the merit of Rashb”i.

2) Large bonfires are lit in Meron [and in communities across the

world] to commemorate the bright light of the hidden Torah (i.e. the Zohar) that Rashb”i revealed and brought down to this world.

Another reason cited for this is to commemorate the ring of fire that encircled Rashb”i and his son Rebbi Elazar as they learned Torah in the cave. (See Ta’amei Haminhagim Page 252 for additional reasons and sources)

The custom is to sing [lively as well as special songs composed in honor of Rashb”i] and dance around the fire.

Additionally, it is customary to light candles near the Tzion [as well as anywhere else there is a fire] in memory of Rashb”i’s Yahrtzeit. Lag B’Omer was also the day Rashb”i and his son emerged from their cave. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 493:7)