(By Dov Joshua Sontag)

As the days of sefiroh approach the 33rd day, Lag Baomer, there is a sense of festivity that begins to form in the hearts of many Jews. Children scurrying around to try and secure a precious piece of wood for the massive neighborhood bonfire. Some plan trips, BBQs and other celebratory activities and teams for ballgames are being formulated. The city of Meron is abuzz with preparation as they anticipate hundreds of thousands jubilant visitors to converge and participate in the annual festivities.

Festivities?

It is well known, that the days of sefiroh are those of sadness. We mourn the tragic loss of twenty-four thousand young Talmedai Chachomim, all students of the great Rebbi Akivah that were taken during this time period. To put this loss into perspective, these individuals were the entire Torah supply at that time, which got completely wiped out. According to our tradition, this horrific wave of untimely deaths ended on Lag Ba’omer. It may be befitting to breathe a sigh of relief and express our gratitude that the epidemic had ended, but is this something that is worthy of celebrating? Do we find any source that suggests one should rejoice the absence of death? The Chasam Sofer (Yoreh Deah 233) is also baffled at the reasoning and logic behind this seemingly strange custom.

Perhaps one can suggest, that there is cause for celebration. Chazal (Yevomos 62b) relate, that after the tragic passing of the twenty-four thousand talmidim, the world was empty and void of Torah. We had just lost the elite of all the Torah scholars and hope for a flourishing future of Torah was all but shattered. The raging fire of Torah had been reduced to a mere flicker. But Rebbi Akiva did not allow the devastating tragedy to cloud his vision or deter him from the daunting task of rebuilding. He courageously traveled to the south and began teaching once again with only five students. He invested time and energy and stoked the little flames until they were blazing yet again. The light and heat of those flames still illuminate and warm us all to this very day. For those five talmidim, Rav Meir, Rav Yehuda, Rav Yosi, Rav Shimon Bar Yochai and Rav Elozor Ben Shamuoh. And it is credit to these great men that the banner of Torah had been restored.

Klal Yisroel is often compared to the cycle of the moon. There are times when it shines brightly and illuminates the dark nights. And there are times when its seems to be all but lost. The darkness seems thick and eternal. But it returns. It returns dutifully to its post and sheds its light for all to benefit.

Throughout our history we have been persecuted, exiled and fed to the hungry wolves. Yet we persevere. We have the tenacity and resolve to continue stoking the flames of our Nation until we illuminate the world.

On this note, we can attempt to answer our question. We are celebrating that in the 11th hour, despite the despondency of the situation, the fire of Torah was rejuvenated. We had once again defied the odds and the splendor and glory of Torah had been restored. The primacy of Torah reigned supreme and the formation of Torah Shel Baal Peh was initiated, as we have it to this very day. Is this not a reason to celebrate and rejoice?

Happy Lag B’Omer!