Lag B'Omer: The Life & Miracles of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai [Short & Sweet Inspiration]

About this episode

Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe discusses the life and miracles of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in celebration of Lag B'Omer.

In this special Lag B'Omer episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe celebrates the 33rd day of the Omer (18 Iyar) as the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi), one of the greatest Tanaim and author of the Zohar. The Talmud hints to him via “Hamin ha’etz” (same letters as Haman) from the Tree of Knowledge—both represent focusing on what we lack instead of appreciating what we have. Rashbi’s life story includes: Student of Rabbi Akiva; one of five who re-established Torah after the plague that killed 24,000 students. Hid in a cave for 12 years (with his son Elazar) surviving on carobs and water, studying Torah with Eliyahu HaNavi—emerging with unparalleled mystical wisdom. His teachings emphasize loving fellow Jews, the power of a good name, and the three crowns (Torah, priesthood, royalty), with the crown of a good name excelling above all. Customs for the day include bonfires (commemorating his fiery spirit and the heavenly fire at his funeral), bows and arrows (no rainbow appeared in his lifetime, symbolizing high spirituality), music, outings, haircuts for three-year-olds, and charity at his gravesite in Meron. The rabbi highlights Rashbi’s power to…

People in this episode

Host: Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Topics covered

• Lag B'Omer
• Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
• Jewish spirituality
• Torah study
• customs and traditions

Keywords

• Lag B'Omer
• Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
• Torah
• Zohar
• Jewish customs
• spirituality
• Rabbi Akiva

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: TORCH

Books & works: Zohar

Places: Houston, Texas

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