Lag Ba'Omer is a holiday celebrated in Israel to commemorate the heroism of the few who fought against the many. This holiday honors the revolt of the Jewish people in Israel in the years 132-135 AD against the mighty Roman Empire that ruled the country at the time. On Lag Ba’Omer day bonfires are lit all over the country echoing the beacons the rebels used on the hilltops at nightfall to signal first, that the revolt was beginning, and later on, to pass information during the revolt.
Despite the victory at the beginning of the revolt, its end was sad.
The rebels used the system of lighting beacons on high places to send out messages in a fast way.
Simon Bar-Kohba lead the rebellion against the Romans and won several battles, yet his victory did not last long.
The rebellion was brutally suppressed and some of the surviving rebels were deported to Rome.
The short period of Bar-Kohba's rule as the "President of Israel" was the last instance of independence experienced by the Jewish people until the founding of the State of Israel in the year 1948.
This day commemorates also Rabbi Akeeva, the spiritual leader of the rebels.
He supported the revolt and denounced the Roman rule.
As a result he was wanted by the Romans and had to flee.
He had thousands of disciples, 12,000 of whom died in a plague within the 32 days following the Passover holiday. The plague suddenly stopped on the thirty-third day.
This chain of events created a tradition in Jewish history whereby no joyous events such as parties or weddings are celebrated during the 32 days following Passover; they resume on the 33rd day – the day known as Lag Ba'Omer.
The bonfires also commemorate this day.
This report was made by Lee Rom
NTD, Israel
