Some Kids Got an Early Start Celebrating Lag BaOmer

Jerusalem, 22 May, 2024 (TPS) -- Some Kids in Jerusalem got an early start to their Lag BaOmer celebrations.
The Lag BaOmer holiday begins Saturday night.

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 including parks and nature sites.

Jerusalem, May 22 2024
Photo by Kobi Natan/TPS IL