Following weeks of high-stakes negotiations, Israel’s Interior Minister Aryeh Deri announced that there will be no limitations on the annual Lag Ba’omer celebrations in Meron. The on-site Chabad house is preparing to greet the tens of thousands of visitors.
By Anash.org reporter
Photos: Meir Donel/Anash.org
Following weeks of high-stakes negotiations, Israel’s Interior Minister Aryeh Deri announced that there will be no limitations on the annual Lag Ba’omer celebrations in Meron later this month.
Thousands of Jews from around the world visit Meron on Lag Ba’omer to daven, light bonfires, and celebrated the hilula of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.
Last year, the number of people allowed to visit Meron was limited to 150 people due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government approved the lighting of three bonfires, one for Ashkenazi Jews, one for Sephardi Jews, and a third for Religious-Zionist Jews.
With the resumption of the annual celebration, the on-site Chabad House is preparing to greet the tens of thousands of visitors.
Throughout the year, “Chabad Rashbi”, located feet away from the Rashbi’s tziyon, arranges shiurim in Chassidus, mivtzoim, and all sorts of Chabad activities. On Lag B’omer, the shluchim arrange for a mass Mivtza Tefillin, a parade for the town’s children, as well as special activities for children having their upshernish.
Ordinarily, in the weeks before Lag Ba’omer, Meron is a flurry of activity as thousands of workers prepared for the hordes: tents and barricades are set up, drinks and snacks brought in, and security arranged.
With only two weeks left before Lag Ba’omer, Anash.org photographer Meir Donel traveled to Meron, expecting to document the extensive preparations. However, upon his arrival, he was surprised to discover a sleepy town, with few visitors and only the barest of preparations having begun.
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