Hundreds of thousands – estimated at about 300,000 by police – gathered in the town of Meron last night and today, participating in the annual celebration of Lag Ba’omer, the Hillula of Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai. The Rebbes of Stolin-Karlin and Boyan each lit a central bonfire at different times last night and the all night festivities began.
Travelling in busses and some even on foot, hundreds of thousands had arrived in Meron, some for Shabbos and the rest of the massive crowd after Shabbos ended. Private cars were not allowed in the city,but free busses took celebrants from totally full enormous parking lots to the crowded area of the festivities.
Traditional Lag Ba’omer songs were sung and music played.
Approximately 4,000 police officers with cars, helicopters, and a Zeppelin aircraft are on hand to guide and protect the visitors. Magen David Adom emergency medical services personnel are present too.
Today, many of the celebrants, some having flown from abroad for this purpose, will give their three year old sons their first haircut, known as chalaka or upsherin, another tradition for Lag Ba’omer in Meron.
{Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Israel/Arutz Shevah}
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