A Reflection on the Lag B'Omer Tragedy In Israel

Dear Friends,

On Erev Shabbat, it is customary to begin worship singing the ancient words, “Lecha Dodi Likrat Kallah… – Come my beloved to greet the (Shabbat) Bride” that were composed by Shlomo Alkabetz – a 16^th Century Jewish Mystic who lived in the city of Tzfat (Safed) in northern Israel. The image that comes to my mind when I hear the many beautiful melodies of Lecha Dodi is that of the sun setting on Mt. Meron – which is visible from every point in this holy city – as worshippers rejoice in welcoming the sacred day of rest.

Unfortunately, in addition to the beauty of welcoming the Shabbat Bride, Mt. Meron will now also be inexorably linked to a terrible tragedy. Yesterday was Lag B’Omer – the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer. In ultra-orthodox communities, Lag B’Omer is a time of celebration and pilgrimage. Many Jews travel to Mt. Meron to visit the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai – a pivotal figure in Jewish History who some believe to have been the author of the important Kabbalistic Masterpiece, the Zohar. Lag B’Omer is also the yahrzeit (death anniversary) of Shimon Bar Yochai. This annual celebration is a time of great joy as participants dance ecstatically at Bar Yochai’s tomb  - not to mourn his death, but to celebrate his life and legacy.

As many of us have already heard, this year’s Lag B’Omer celebration at Mt. Meron began with joy and ended with tragedy. As of this writing, over 42 people were killed in a stampede when the huge crowd got out of control.  Hundreds more were crushed and injured.

There are many questions that need to be addressed in the wake of this tragedy. While Israel has been a leader in vaccinations and containment of COVID-19, this festival set a dangerous precedent.  Health officials warned against such a huge gathering – but these warnings went unheeded by the Ultra -Orthodox Community.  The Government, in the midst of a contentious process of forming a new governing coalition, did not want to upset this vital demographic upon whom it relies for support and also played down the health concerns. Whether or not this contributed to this tragedy will be determined in the days and weeks to come.

Our task, today, is to show our support for our fellow Jews.  It is customary to celebrate weddings on Lag B’Omer. Today, in addition to brides, grooms and happy families, all across the State of Israel there will also be mourners and funeral processions. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones and to all who are injured. We pray for healing and shed tears for lives lost. This horrific tragedy reminds us of the connections that we have with our brothers and sisters in the State of Israel – regardless of how they live their lives or express their faith. Their grief is ours.

In the last verse of Lecha Dodi, we recite the words: Boi V’Shalom - Come in peace:

“Come in Peace, beloved of her spouse, in both happiness and jubilation. Amidst the faithful of the treasured nation – Boi Kallah Boi Kallah­- Come O Bride, Come O Bride.”

We are all are one as we pray for peace: peace for the mourners and the injured; peace for the State of Israel and all who love her.

May their memories be for a blessing.

Shabbat Shalom