New York – Thousands of Hasidic Jews converged on the Village of Kiryas Joel Wednesday evening to celebrate the life and commemorate the death of a sage, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who died on that date in the second century.
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As is tradition on this holiday of Lag Baomer, a large bonfire is lit, and that is symbolic of the sage’s life and teachings, said Kiryas Joel government affairs liaison Ari Felberman.
“On the day of the anniversary of one’s passing it is important to read his writings, study his teachings and by this you invoke his blessings upon you,” Felberman said. “The bonfire is like he brought light to the world through his revealing of the Torah.”
Organizers in Kiryas Joel said while bonfires are held in other Jewish communities around the country, their’s is the largest celebration of its kind.
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What a kiddush hashem, may they poil ales gits
nice reminds me of MIRON
Looks awesome! Wish I was there.
WoW! What croud! Realy looks like Meron!
Is this every year or a new Minhag???
i was last year in miron and yesterday i was at the major hadlaka in KJ
what should i tell you in miron you dont have such an oilem in one halaka like that i field like in miron and think i rw shimen would be happy that KJ sould be in his area im kfar miron..