[COMMUNICATED]
Lag Ba’Omer is just a few days away, and the Israeli government has established a detailed plan for preparing the public from unnecessary spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health has decreed that no bonfires can be lit on Lag Ba’Omer, with the exception of those under strict supervision in Meron. Only an elite group of Rabbis will be allowed to enter Meron on Monday, each with a small number of followers. The rabbanim will light a fire, and pray at the resting place of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, as is the age-old custom.
The Rachmastrivka Rebbe is one of those selected to attend, and will be using the opportunity for a purpose beyond the norm: The many families who have become unemployed and sunken into poverty in recent weeks. Financial stress is as prevalent as ever, and many poor families rely on assistance from charity organization Vaad HaRabbanim to cover their basic expenses. As the Rachmastrivka Rebbe approaches the tzion of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who so famously promised good to those who gathered on Lag BaOmer to pray at his grave, he will carry with him a list of all those who donate to the Vaad’s most recent tzedaka campaign.
Many among us, especially those with children, look forward to the yearly happy festivities of Lag BaOmer. This is an opportunity to use the day to connect to something even deeper than lighting a bonfire: Helping Jews who are desperately in need.
As the campaign page puts it so succinctly, “Their family needs the charity, your family needs the tefilos.”
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL CAMPAIGN
