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>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</div>
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<p>A. <em>Lag B’omer</em> is the <em>yahrtzeit</em> of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai (the great Tanna and Kabbalist, who authored the Zohar). In a letter written in 1489, Rav Ovadya Mi’Bartenura reports seeing a multitude of torches lit on L<em>ag B’omer</em> at
the grave of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai in honor of his <em>yahrtzeit</em>. Just as there is a custom to light a candle for the
<em>neshama</em> of a relative on his or her <em>yahrtzeit</em>, so too there is a custom to light torches by the grave of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai on his
<em>yahrtzeit</em>. The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 493:7) writes that <em>Lag B’omer</em> was also the day that Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai was able to exit the cave where he had been hiding for twelve years. For the same reason, there is a
<em>minhag</em> to light bonfires throughout <em>Eretz Yisroel</em> on<em> Lag B’omer</em> in honor of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai. While it is more common in Israel, some light candles or bonfires outside of Israel as well.</p>
<p>Many other reasons are offered for this <em>minhag</em>. Here are some:</p>
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<li>The Bnei Yisaschar (Iyar 3:6) writes that on the day Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai passed away, the sun did not set until Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai finished teaching the hidden secrets of the Torah to his students. To remember this miraculous event, we light bonfires
at night to brighten the sky as though it is still day. </li><li>The Bnei Yisaschar (Iyar 3:3) also writes that there were many hidden secrets revealed that day that lit up the world. We therefore light fires on this day as a remembrance of the light of his Torah.
</li><li>The Gemara relates that when Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai emerged from the cave, wherever he gazed was consumed by fire because of his great spiritual level. Because he left the cave on
<em>Lag B’omer</em>, we light fires to commemorate that miracle. </li></ol>
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