The iSavta Team | 13.11.2019
Lag BaOmer is a joyous day on the Jewish Calendar. This festive day is usually celebrated with bonfires, outings and parades. Children traditionally play with bows and arrows as they are also expected to be outside having bonfires.
Many Jewish people in Israel are also visiting the resting place of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, Northern Israel for this day also commemorates his passing.
Light Bonfires
Traditionally, people light bonfires on Lag BaOmer eve. This is in relevance to Shimon bar Yochai’s teachings which introduced immense light into the world.
But, certain considerations were weighed out this year as Israel is currently experiencing extreme weather conditions such as oppressive heat and strong winds. Because bonfires are usually done in wide open spaces, fears of unseasonably wildfire and unfortunate accidents might happen.
Fire and Rescue Commissioner Dedy Simhi ordered today to forbid bonfires across most of the country. They’ve released a warning to the public about the weather conditions in the coming days that could trigger rapid spread fire that can claim life and property. They also ask the people to exercise extreme caution in lighting bonfires and strictly observe safety rules. It was also suggested to combine bonfires instead of having one in different places and locations. This could ensure safety and lessen the pollution in the air.
"I call upon parents and children to observe the safety guidelines that include lighting small fires, and to keep them away from forest and woodland areas and combustible materials that could endanger property and life," said the Fire Commissioner.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also urged the people not to light bonfires. “There will be other opportunities in the future”, he said.
Though there will be a huge celebration in Meron near the Sea of Galilee, police were already deployed earlier to ensure the safety of the people who are going to be there this evening.
There are other safe ways to celebrate this festival. People can attend the Lag BaOmer parade or simply spend the rest of your day with family and friends.
To our Caregivers, if you have plan tonight, take extra precaution. It is nice to spend the night with bonfires, music and food. But, it is also dangerous if you will not be extra careful.
Lag BaOmer Sameach!
