Limited Lag BaOmer Celebrations In Israel This Year as Parks Were Closed to Bonfires

Jerusalem, 26 May, 2024 (TPS) -- An urban Lag BaOmer celebration Saturday night in the Jerusalem Hasidic neighborhood of Mea She’arim. Hasidic Jews, who wear fur covered hats on the Sabbath and on holidays, seen here celebrating the holiday in their neighborhood this year because bonfires were banned in parks.

It is a tradition in Israel for people, specifically youth, to light bonfires throughout the country during the night of the holiday. Some say this tradition dates back to the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who was a senior rabbi of the Talmud. His students are said to have lit bonfires after his death to symbolize the continuation of the “flame” of his teachings.

However, this year Israelis have been asked not to light many bonfires due to extreme heat and the chance they may cause forest fires. Israel’s Fire Department prohibited lighting them in public areas like parks and nature sites.

Jerusalem, May 25, 2024
Photo by Yoav Dudkevitch/TPS