I C TURE T H E S CENE- hundreds of guests seated in a magnificently decorated social hall, berachot from Gedolei Yisrael, an elaborate dinner, top of the line entertainment… this may sound like a fancy VIP wedding, but it’s actually a union of a different sort. It’s the Annual Yeshivat Shaare Torah Mishnathon, the dream of Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Hillel Haber, shlita. Now in its fifth year, the Mishnathon has truly become a community phenomenon. The guests are all study partners, or havrutot. Fathers pair off with sons, students with rebbes, friends and relatives unite. They sign up in pairs and commit to learn a designated portion of the Shisha Sidre Mishna for one hour, all together under the same roof, on Lag B’Omer in order to collectively complete the Siyum.

THE PARTICIPANTS COME F ROM A DIVERSE RANGE OF SCHOOLS AND SHULS IN THE COMMUNITY AND JOIN TOGETHER FOR THIS COMMON GOAL, ALL WHILE RAISING MONEY FOR Y ESHIVAT SHAARE TORAH, AN INSTITUTION THAT HAS BEEN PRODUCING RABBIS AND L EADERS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR THE PAST FORTY YEARS.

Once the teams are enrolled they receive preparation booklets for the portions they will be
learning, and work towards reaching their specified pledge amounts. And then the countdown begins… Seating plans are meticulously arranged, the menu is carefully selected, and every detail is mapped out by the Mishnathon team.

Since its inception in 2018, the event has certainly evolved, but the heart of the program has stayed the same. Hundreds of boys and men of all ages come together on Lag B’Omer to learn in unity, as one whole with a common goal – to complete the entire Shas Mishnayot.

The buildup is thrilling, and the night exceeds all expectations, year in and year out.

Last year, the attendees were especially privileged to be greeted by, Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Philadelphia Yeshiva, one of the Gedolei HaDor. The Rosh Yeshiva was invited to recite the Hadran, the closing portion of the Mishna, and complete the Siyum. The achdut and love of Torah that this event inspires is what prompted the Rosh Yeshiva to be a part of it. A special song was played by the band as the Rosh Yeshiva was escorted to the stage. His warm and regal bearing left a tremendous impression on the crowd. Also in attendance was famed author and internationally acclaimed speaker Rabbi Yechiel Spero. The audience was quite moved and inspired by his words.

Each stage of this endearing and spectacular evening is perfectly thought out and executed. Participants enter the lobby at cocktail hour and a delicious and vast array of hors d’oeuvres is set up for them to enjoy until the program begins. They then enter the main ballroom, and after praying minha and arbit, Rabbi David Haber, who puts his heart and soul into everything he does, makes the introductory remarks.

Last year, a special Yehi Ratzon was recited by Rabbi Hillel Haber, shlita, and a blessing for the entire kahal was recited by Rabbi Shlomo Diamond.

And then the learning begins! One hour of frenziedspirituality commences. The young boys see firsthand what it’s like to learn in the holy tumult of a large-scale yeshiva. As hundreds upon hundreds of voices clamor to be heard, fathers shout excitedly to their sons across the table. Everyone is engaged in the unified task of completing the Shas together – right there, in one hour.

As the night reaches a fevered pitch and the learning comes to a close, silence falls upon the crowd.

When the Siyum is completed, it’s the high point of the evening, and the realization of a dream.

Six benefactors, representing the six Sidre Mishna ascend the stage, one by one, and take their place to say kaddish. It’s a very spiritual and holy time, where the zechut of learning the entire Shas is dedicated in memory of loved ones. One previous benefactor reported that of all the dedications he’d made, and all of the causes he had donated to over the year of his father’s passing, the kaddish of this Mishnathon was the most moving and meaningful.

In this day and age, as technology encroaches on all but the most sacred of times, and when factions of our Jewish nation feel splintered and divided, the elements of the Mishnathon help us recalibrate what our priorities and goals are, or should be.

Last year, at the 2021 Mishnathon, fifty rabbis, representing various community schools and congregations, were honored, and received a beautiful token of appreciation. It was yet another lesson for our children to take home, showing them what our priorities are, and where our kavod is worthy of going.

After the ceremony is concluded, live music instantaneously erupts from the talented band and stellar performers. Last year, world famous superstars Yaakov Shwekey and Simcha Leiner serenaded the crowd, along with the Energy band keeping the beat.

Watching community icons break out in spontaneous dance along with the next generation of community leaders, you couldn’t help but want to part of the joyous celebration.

After 32 days without music due to the Omer, and coming off the spiritual high of the learning and Siyum, being a part of this spectacular live performance is a thrilling and unabashed delight.

A delicious seated dinner is then served, after which the dancing continues, and a candle is lit in a moving memorial to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

The Kumzitz that follows is emotional and spiritual. Leaving the crowd warm and inspired, it’s the perfect cap to a high energy and powerful night.

PART OF THE BEAUTY OF THE NIGHT, ASIDE FROM THE SPECTACULAR LINEUP AND SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT, I S THE UNITY I T IMPARTS. BOYS AND MEN FROM ALL YESHIVOT AND CONGREGATIONS COME TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF. YESHIVAT SHAARE TORAH MAY BE THE HOST, BUT ALL ARE WELCOME AND EMBRACED. THE TREMENDOUS KIDDUSH HASHEM THIS INVOKES CAN NOT B E QUANTIFIED. AHAVAT YISRAEL, LOVING OUR FELLOW JEW, AND YIRAT SHAMAYIM, FEAR OF GD, ARE THE CORNERSTONES OF OUR RELIGION, AND THEY COME TOGETHER I N T H I S UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL EVENT.

Although each team of the Mishnathon has just a portion to contribute, the impact is immeasurable. 250 pairs of Havrutot are needed in order to make the Siyum complete, and each pair must do their part. But it doesn’t end there. The band, the musicians, the catering and decorating committee, the sponsors and donors are each an integral part of this uniquely beautiful and heart warming undertaking.

What an exemplary lesson in how every person in Am Yisrael is vital and necessary.

As one proud participant reflected on the experience, “There was something very special taking place, from the first minute to the last. It was the highlight of my year.”

May the Mishnathon continue to unite the community in this beautiful milestone year after year, in good health and shalom.

For more information visit themishnathon.com

Rabbi Moshe Arking – Ave. O Synagogue, Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking – Ohr Halacha  

Edited by Rabbi Moshe Yagen – Ohr Halacha 

The days of counting from Pesah to Shavuot are in anticipation and preparation for the goal of yesiat Misrayim ― receiving the Torah. Regarding Avraham Avinu it is written, “…and Avraham became old, coming in days.” This refers to the greatness of Avraham Avinu that as he grew older, he came with every day, as each day was another step to achieve more. Sefirat ha’omer is a time to prepare for Shavuot when we accept the Torah. We can master that greatness, one day at a time. The counting should be accompanied with a plan that one can visualize and have a takeaway of a tangible accomplishment like each day of Avraham Avinu. We should make every day that we count ― count. 

When is the best time to count? 

One should count right after nightfall, which is approximately forty minutes after sunset, so that he is counting the entire coming day. If one is concerned that he will forget to count, then already after sunset one may count with a beracha.  

One who did not count at night, counts by day without a beracha and then on subsequent nights with a beracha. Therefore, we have a custom to mention the count during Shaharit, so that one who forgot last night will fulfill his obligation then. 

Can I eat supper before counting? 

From a half-hour before the time of a mitsvah, such as tefillah, keriat shema, and counting sefirat ha’omer, one may not eat more than a k’beitsah (50 grams) of bread or mezonot. Other foods, including rice, chicken, meat, etc., may be eaten even in larger quantities. However, if one appoints a family member or friend who is not eating to remind him to count after his meal, he would be allowed to eat a full meal of bread or mezonot.   

Why do we stand? 

When we perform mitsvot, such as shofar, lulav, pidyon, etc., we stand. The source of standing by mitsvot is actually from omer as the pasuk states “from the beginning of the sickle harvesting – bakamah – the standing crop”; the word bakamah also teaches us that we perform the mitsvot while standing.  

I mistakenly counted the wrong number; do I recite a new beracha? 

One who counted the wrong day did not fulfill his obligation and is required to count again with a beracha. If the mistake was realized immediately – within approximately one and a half seconds ― the correct day should be recited without a beracha. After that time, he will need to recite a new beracha and count. 

Can I recite the beracha and then figure out the correct number by following the person next to me? 

Like all berachot, before one begins, he should be saying it upon something known and specific; i.e. before reciting ha’ets, he should preferably know exactly which fruit he is reciting upon and even hold it in his hand. Therefore, one should preferably know the correct day before he starts to make the beracha. 

Another important point is that one should realize what number he is counting. It is not merely about saying certain words that fulfills the mitsvah, but rather to understand the number counted. 

I am not sure if I missed a day, do I continue? 

According to some opinions, the forty-nine days of sefirat ha’omer require a continuous counting without missing a day. In deference to this opinion, one who misses a day, although he will lose the beracha, is required to continue to count on the following nights. However, if one is not sure if he missed a day or not, he will continue his counting with a beracha.  

I always end up missing a day! May I start counting with a beracha? 

Yes. Before a day is actually missed, one would still count with a beracha even if he knows that he will definitely miss a day. Therefore, if someone has a scheduled surgery or something that will prevent him from counting a complete day of the omer, he should yet begin to count with a beracha.  

Do women and children count the omer? 

Young boys should be taught to count once they reach the age of hinuch ― six years old, like every other mitsvah. A minor who missed a night of counting is different from an adult and should continue to count with a beracha. However, women do not count at all, even without a beracha.  

I told someone what day it is; may I count with a beracha? 

When asked what day it is, it is best to respond, “Yesterday was such-and-such.” In order for one to fulfill his obligation, his counting has to be prefaced by saying, “Today is day…” Therefore, if one did not yet count and responded “today is day six,” he would lose his beracha. However, if he just answered “six” or “it’s six,” he may still count with a beracha.  

What if one becomes bar mitsvah in the middle of sefirat ha’omer? 

A minor who will become bar mitsvah in the middle of sefira should start counting with a beracha until he turns thirteen. After his bar mitsvah, the question arises whether it is considered that he is starting anew in the middle of the omer; therefore, he may not be able to recite a beracha. For this FAQ, we would refer one to his Rabbi.  

When is the earliest time I can take a haircut, listen to music, etc.?  

All the customs of the sefira (i.e. weddings, music, haircuts) apply until the morning of the thirty-fourth day. Regarding music, however, the custom is to be lenient on Lag la’omer if the music is being played at a hilula for Ribbi Shimon Bar Yochai. 

Can I buy new clothes during the days of sefira? 

One may buy new clothes during sefira. However, for clothes that require a sheheianu, it is preferable to wear them first on Shabbat and recite sheheianu then. Sheheianu on fruits may be recited even during the week.  

Why do we study Pirkei Avot during sefira? 

As mentioned, these days are in preparation and anticipation of receiving the Torah. We therefore learn Pirkei Avot which motivates one to the observance of Torah and mitsvot, and the study of the foundation for Torah ― our character traits. Secondly, Pirkei Avot focuses a lot on our interpersonal relationships that were at a low point during this period and therefore require our attention to study properly. 

Place in Sidebar: Minhagim of Sefirat Ha’omer 

Imagine today a Rabbinical learning program with twenty-four thousand rabbis going to cities throughout the world. If they had been around even one century ago, the exponential number of religious growth worldwide would be on such a grand scale, the Mashiah could come! This is how we can view the magnitude of this tragic loss of the students of Ribbi Akiva. They passed away over two thousand years ago – it could have been a transformation of our nation beyond epic proportions. In respect to the mourning of this period, we do not marry, have parties with music, take haircuts, and other limitations.

The Reform movement is demanding that the platform of the Kotel – the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City – be reconstructed to create a large adjoining space to be placed under the control of the Reform leadership. This massive platform would be used for large Reform prayer services, with men and women together, in violation of centuries’ old halachic tradition. There will be nothing to stop the Reform from disturbing everyone’s tefillot by loudly amplifying and broadcasting their Shabbat services using microphones and videos. Or from bringing electronic keyboards and rock bands on Shabbat. Or from giving sermons attacking Israel or Orthodox Jews, similar to many Reform temples. Five people using an electronic amplifier could drown out ten thousand Jews seeking to peacefully pray at the Kotel.

If the plan succeeds, it will be almost impossible to remove them and restore the kedushah of our precious Kotel.

The proposed platform would disturb the peaceful tefillot of millions of Jews of all persuasions, and would embolden the Reform movement, encouraging it to promote policies that undermine halachah.

Mati Dan and Oren Honig of the Libah Yehudit organization are courageously combatting this  initiative, and they need our help.

What is the Reform Agenda?

The president of the Union of Reform Judaism, Rick Jacobs, has made it very clear that the movement’s agenda extends well beyond the Kotel. He said that “If the Reform Kotel plan is implemented, this will open the door for more religious pluralism in Israel.” His movement does not seek merely an area by the Kotel; they seek to gain validation and official recognition in Israel as a legitimate form of Judaism, equivalent to authentic Torah observance. The movement has publicly declared its desire to have their conversions, marriage, and kashrut recognized in Israel. They hope to foster widespread public Shabbat desecration with buses operating to and from the Kotel on Shabbat. 

The Reform and Conservative movements in the U.S. have seized the opportunity presented by the rickety Bennett-Lapid coalition government, which includes anti-Orthodox leftists eager to topple the religious status quo of the country. PM Bennett signed coalition agreements with Reform MKs advocating to expedite the Reform agenda. This is reflected by the push to change the kashrut and conversion laws, to permit hametz in the hospitals on Pesach, and to create the Reform platform at the Kotel. However, these forces are being met head-on by passionate, determined activists in Israel who have long recognized this threat and have mobilized to confront it.

The Lone Voices to Protect Us

The Libah Yehudit organization was founded in 2013 in Israel with the stated mission to strengthen the Jewish identity of the State of Israel – from the sanctity of Shabbat, to the sanctity of the Jewish family, to the sanctity of the Kotel. Recognizing the threats posed by those seeking to undermine the Jewish character of the Jewish State, Libah Yehudit set out to combat those dangers and ensure that the world’s only Jewish State remains connected to Jewish tradition and Jewish values. 

“The Reform want to make our Jewish country into ‘a country for all citizens’ without any Jewish identity,” says Oren Honig, director of Libah Yehudit. “If we do not fight back and involve the public, we will lose our Jewish country. For the Reform, the Kotel is the Archimedean point, the springboard to change the whole country. If their power at the Kotel is legitimized, they will demand authority over conversions, marriage, kashrut, and education.”

Reform MK Gilad Karin and the Reform movement understand that once they gain a foothold at the Kotel, they will gain control throughout Israel. Honig explains that the Reform are trying to lure the Mesorti movement (which parallels the Conservative movement here in the U.S.) and secular Israelis who do not understand the dangers of the Reform agenda. Large amounts of funding have enabled the Reform to advance their agenda in Israel’s government, the Israeli media, and in the Supreme Court. 

Libah Yehudit works tirelessly to inform the Israeli public and to obstruct this effort via various methods, such as extensive lobbying in the Knesset, and careful reviewing of proposed legislation. The organization’s Rosh Hodesh Kotel initiative recruits and provides buses for over a thousand yeshiva and seminary students, and men and women from all over Israel, to come to pray at the 7am shaharit service at the Kotel every month on Rosh Hodesh, filling the Kotel plaza. This prevents the Reform movement’s “Women of the Wall” from desecrating the sanctity of the Kotel through their services, which publicly violate halachah.

Prior to Rosh Hodesh Adar Bet, Oren Honig consulted with Rav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, and with Rav Gershon Edelstein, shelit”a. These sages urged Oren to mobilize large numbers and fill the Kotel plaza in order to preserve the kedushah (sanctity) of the site. Through the organization’s hard work, buses brought thousands of men, women, yeshiva boys and seminary girls from throughout Israel who prayed peacefully at the Kotel. Their presence allowed no room for the “Women of the Wall” and heads of the Reform to walk into the Kotel Plaza.

“They Need to be More Involved”

As founder and Chairman of Yeshivat Ateret Cohanim in the Muslim Quarter, Mati Dan has been working since 1977 to build up the Jewish presence in the Old City. He also recognized the threats of the Reform movement, especially their attempts to undermine the sanctity of the Kotel. Mati has spent the last number of years gathering a cadre of top-notch lawyers to advocate on behalf of maintaining the status quo at the sacred site. Facing off against leftist judges is a daunting challenge, requiring huge amounts of time, energy and legal fees.

“The Reform do not come to pray; only to obtain legitimacy,” Mati explains. “Behind the Kotel campaign is their desire to start a revolution against everything that is holy in Eretz Yisrael – marriage, conversions, kashrut and education. To fight against this, we need to mobilize Jews both in Israel and in the Diaspora who care and understand the Reform’s intentions and are willing to stop it. This involves PR initiatives to educate the public about who the Reform are and what their goals are. In Israel, there is very little knowledge of who the Reform are.  American Jews understand. They need to be more involved and have a louder voice.” 

Mati is fighting the battle in the courts. When the “Women of the Wall” go to the courts to sue for the right to turn the Kotel into a Reform temple, Mati retains top lawyers to fight on behalf of the sanctity of the Kotel.

“The Israeli courts are mostly liberal and have an agenda,” Mati explains. “If you do not appear in court, you lose. If you sit quietly, the judges will believe that the Reform demands do not bother people. If it really mattered to them, they would rise up and send 100 lawyers to oppose the Reform’s demands.”

With the Reform heavily pressuring the current coalition government, and in light of coalition agreements with the Reform MKs to expedite the Reform agenda, the war is boiling over. Mati explains that the fight is heading to the Israeli Supreme Court, even though it is supposed to be out of their jurisdiction. He warns that we cannot abandon the fight, because if we do not fight in the courts, the Reform will succeed in defiling the kedushah of the Kotel and of Eretz Yisrael generally.

A Call for Help

Chayim Rabinovitz, director of SaveOurKotel.Org, who is helping to organize this campaign, is calling upon Orthodox Jewry throughout the world to support the efforts of Mati Dan and the Libah Yehudit Organization to fight against the Reform Agenda.

“The only way to stop the Reform agenda is with true unity, with the Jews of Eretz Yisrael joining with Jews around the world,” Chayim says. He explains that if we come together to help fund the efforts of Libah Yehudit, Mati Dan’s litigation expenses, and Libah Yehudit’s PR efforts, then the Reform will be left with no choice but to retreat. With the ahdut [unity] of all Jews for the kedushah of the Torah, the kedushah of the Kotel, the kedushah of Eretz Yisrael and the kedushah of the Jewish Nation, we can fight back and, b’Ezrat HaShem, be victorious.”

SaveOurKotel.Org, Libah Yehudit, and Mati Dan’s initiatives are endorsed by the leading Torah sages of our generation. Both Chief Rabbis – Hacham Yitzchak Yosef, shelit”a, and Rabbi David Lau, shelit”a – have written letters endorsing the cause and urging all to contribute.

Funds are needed urgently for this campaign, and the activists are turning to us for our assistance and support.

Save Our Kotel

For more information and to donate, please visit: SaveOurKotel.Org

Donations can also be mailed to: 

Shomrei HaKotel 

471 Sheridan Boulevard 

Suite 60 

Inwood, NY  11096 

After a winter of anticipation, the 2022 MSB season is finally underway. This year MSB has done something that has never been done in Syrian community softball history. The league held the very first auction draft as opposed to the traditional snake draft. An auction draft added a whole new dynamic, as the captains all had a fair opportunity to bid on the players on the draft board, and the draft was a smashing success. 

Team CARE vs. Team SBH

The season got underway on April 3rd. Team CARE, captained by Mordy Chrem, faced off against Team SBH, which is captained by Edmund “The Phenom” Beyda.  

This matchup featured a World Series rematch with the 2021 Cy Young award winner and World Series champion Ray Sakkal on the mound for SBH going up against the aforementioned Edmund Beyda.

In Game One, CARE took care of business and took the first game of the season by a final score of 3-1, as rising star Isaac Sasson, who went on to win Player of the Week, knocked in a run along with the reigning MVP Jack Harary and sophomore Jack Mosseri, who did the same. It was a hard-fought battle.

In Game Two, Team SBH evened the score as they went on to win by a final score of 7-2 behind the arm of young Beyda and the bats of star CF Alan Jemal and rookie Bernie Pindek, who drove in three runs. 

Community Assistance Fund Takes on Maskeel El Dal Society

Our second matchup featured The Community Assistance Fund, captained by Yankee Itzkowitz and Yaakov Seruya, taking on Maskeel El Dal Society, captained by Dan Braun. 

In Game One, Maskeel El Dal got a sterling pitching performance from captain and former league champion Dan Braun, as he limited the opposition to just one run and was powered behind the bat of league slugger Alex Madnick as he plated two runs, which proved to be the difference as Maskeel El Dal took game one by a final score of 3-1. 

In Game Two, we got the exact score, but the roles were reversed. Long time league veteran Jackie Shwecky continued to defy odds as Jackie held up his end of the bargain by surrendering just one run. Rookie Leo Setton opened up some eyes as he played a lights-out right field and had himself a day at the plate, which earned him Player of the Week, a great start to a promising career. 

Team SAFE Squares Off Against Team SFF

Our final matchup of the day featured Team SAFE, captained by Leo Esses and veteran Ike Chazanoff, taking on Team SFF, captained by Mordechai Grazi.

The story of Game One was the ineffectiveness of rookie starting pitcher JoJo Cohen, who had a hard time finding the strike zone, which led to a blowout victory for SAFE by a final score of 12-2 in a mercy. SAFE got all they needed from fill-in starting pitcher Marc Cohen and saw the young offensive bats of Lawrence Kurtz (who took home Player of the Week honors), Benny Levy, and David Paul Sutton.

The second game was shortened by inclement weather, as it was 5-5 in the 4th inning. The game  will be resumed, if necessary, at a later date. 

After the game a deal was struck between these two teams, as SFF recognized they needed an upgrade at starting pitcher and sent reigning gold glove winner Eli Harari to SAFE in exchange for Marc Cohen. 

Partner with MSB to Help Community Tsedaka Organizations 

This year MSB will be raising much needed funds for seven of our community charity organizations. 

Readers, if you would like to contribute towards any of these organizations please reach out to Samjsutton@gmail.com. The seven MSB teams represent the following organizations: SBH, SAFE, SFF, Maskeel El Dal Society, CARE, Bnei Malachim, and The Community Assistance Fund.

If you haven’t already, please give us a follow on Instagram @MSB_Softball and check out the league website www.SySoftball.com where we feature everything league-related including weekly highlights, stats, team records, and much more. 

The Kohen* family was in a quandary. Their 85-year-old mother, Adele, had fallen and broken her right arm and was incapacitated to the point where could no longer live independently. But this determined, spunky woman wanted above all else to remain independent in her own home. She had no intention of moving into one of her children’s homes, even for a short time. 

Fortunately for the Kohens, Happy Home Health Aide Services was available to step in. Within 24 hours, an appropriate caregiver was assigned to take care of Mrs. Kohen’s needs. The caregiver was assigned to do light housekeeping, cooking, bathing, and driving. She also ensured that Mrs. Kohen got her medications at the right time and in the proper dosage. The caretaker additionally was responsible for overseeing Mrs. Kohen’s physiotherapy.  

The Kohen family is grateful that Mrs. Kohen did not take that bad fall a year ago, since the home health care service was only established six months ago. Founders Maurice Morabia and Nathaniel Owusu founded the homecare service with the aim of providing care for the Syrian Jewish communities in Brooklyn, Manhattan, New Jersey, and Florida. In time, they plan to branch out into other Jewish communities and to arrange for payments via Medicare and Medicaid.   

Why are these services better than the government’s? 

“Whether it’s live-in, live-out services, short or long-term caregiver services, we provide it all, and within a day,” Maurice says.  

Government services are not as quick to respond and they do they offer such extensive services. The government provided caregivers are not familiar with halachot and kashrut. And Happy Home offers new nanny “scrubble bubble services,” which gets elderly men and women – and their homes – spick and span clean for Shabbat and yom tov. 

Two hundred qualified and experienced aides are on call. They are all HHA (Home Health Aide) certified, and some are Registered Nurses. With this large group of qualified staff, getting the right caregiver to the client efficiently and quickly is not a problem. 

Happy Home Fills a Need in the Community 

In this regard, Happy Home answers a vital need within the community: This is evident by the increasing number of calls coming in every day. More elderly patients are seeking in-home care than ever before. This is partly due to increased longevity among the elderly, early discharges from hospitals, and an increase in chronic illnesses. But also, families realize that their loved ones recuperate better at home than elsewhere. Many community members, and others, can find themselves in a real crises when seeking the proper home health care services for their elderly relatives.  

The Dream Team 

So, how did Maurice Morabia, a typical Syrian Jewish man, end up in this line of work? He admits that few Jews work in the field, regardless of the monetary incentives – some caregivers earn over $500 daily with free food and board also included. 

“You have to be good-hearted and a little nutty,” he says, laughing. 

Maurice should know. He worked as a caregiver within the community for several years and knows what is involved. And Nathaniel, originally from Ghana,  has worked in the field since 2008, and knows many of the Happy Home aides personally. Together the two make sure that their caregivers have the requisite qualities: they must be kind, patient, and warm-hearted. They must be able to make quick decisions, to take responsibility, be reliable, and above all – honest.   

Getting the right person can often make all the difference. Nathaniel is currently working with an elderly gentleman named Ely, who only ate two Ensure high protein drinks a day when Nathaniel first arrived. “After determining that there was no illness preventing him from eating, with Hashem’s help, I got him eating regular meals three times a day.”

How to Get in Touch 

To arrange for a caregiver, give Maurice or Nathaniel a call at 732 642 7908. They will ask relevant questions regarding your relative’s needs. Then they will arrange either a remote or in-person interview with a caregiver who will be chosen specifically for your loved one, to provide just the right services needed.  

Thankfully, services like these now exist to serve the needs of our loved ones in their declining years, providing them the dignity and support they deserve, and giving the peace of mind to their family members. 

*All names were changed for privacy purposes. 

Avi Kumar 

The Ukraine Rescue Mission, recently organized by the Sephardic Heritage Museum, was nothing short of miraculous. The Russia-Ukraine War has been raging since February of this year, and with no end in sight, fleeing Ukraine is the only option for the Ukrainian Jews. The Sephardic Heritage Museum went to heroic lengths to coordinate internationally and aid the Ukrainian refugees in their hour of need from across the Atlantic. We remember that over 70 years ago Ukrainian Jews faced annihilation during the Holocaust. Again today, survivors of the Shoah and their descendants face dire uncertainty if not evacuated from Ukraine. 

The U.S.-based Sephardic Heritage Museum teamed up with the Sephardic Diaspora in Latin America to help over 13,000 Ukrainians (six percent of Ukraine’s Jewish population) to escape from the line of the fire and to move to relative safety in the first three weeks of the war. And the efforts are ongoing.  

Acting in Complicated Dire Circumstances 

Extracting the refugees was complicated on many levels. There was constant Russian bombardments and fighting. There was a lack of electricity, which made it extremely difficult to communicate via phones. And, of course, without electricity phones could not be readily charged. The lack of basics such as food, water, clothing, and medicine compounded the challenge of providing an escape through perilous pathways.  

Ukraine is a large country, about the size of Texas, and the Jews are dispersed throughout the country. It is estimated that  Ukraine’s Jewish community is probably the fifth largest Jewish community in the world at 200,000 to 250,000 strong, with some estimating even 400,000 (this larger number probably reflects the inclusion of those with at least one Jewish grandparent). Thirteen yeshivot across North America and a dedicated team joined together to accomplish phenomenal work, by gathering funds and focusing on meticulous planning.  

Saving Jewish Lives – the Sephardic Community Steps Up  

Rabbi Elie Abadie, Senior Rabbi of the UAE, in an exclusive interview with Community Magazine said, “The Sephardic Heritage Committee have always been attentive to the needs of Jews all over the world. The organization and I were involved in the rescue of Yemeni Jews most recently last year. This was with the help of UAE authorities. If we can rescue someone in need, we will. I cannot reveal exact details of what we did and are doing in Ukraine, but our end goal here is to transfer the refugees to a third country. Again, I cannot say too much, but I will tell you that we are raising funds to help those in need. We also must sort out logistics, which is very important: We need to provide the refugees with food and places to house them. This requires dedication, time, and money. Unlike Yemen, the Ukrainian Jewish community is bigger. It numbers an estimated 250,000 people.”  

Mr. Harry Adjmi said in a community-live broadcast, three weeks after the initial plan was conceived, “I cannot believe how much has gone on in Ukraine over the last three weeks. I cannot believe much death and injury is happening to the civilians, to children, to the people in Ukraine, city by city, town by town. But we are blessed to be able to have our hand in the rescue mission where saving lives – thousands and thousands of lives – you can hear tonight. The things that we have been able to do since that first Sunday when we came on the scene are phenomenal. And we are very proud of that.  

“And when a crisis happens you must come immediately to the rescue of whoever or whatever it is! And in this case, it is the 200,000 Jews who are in Ukraine who are struggling and suffering. And we made a difference! As you know, every single life that you can save matters, and we have saved thousands and thousands today. We will not stop. We are committed to continue to help these people in this country, Ukraine. We are committed to provide them with safe passage. They are being moved out by buses and vans, town by town, city by city.”  

Adjmi highlighted the active effort by the youth. “You are never too young to be involved in acts of tzedakah,” Adjmi said. He proudly noted that the effort to raise money and work on the ground was carried out by people of all ages. The thirteen yeshivas involved in mobilizing youth were Magen David Yeshiva, Yeshiva of Flatbush, Hillel Yeshiva, YDE Yeshiva, Barkai Yeshiva, Ramaz Yeshiva, Shaare Torah, Beit Yaakov of Brazil, Ilan High School, Magen David Academy of Panama, the SAM School, Hebrew Academy of Panama, and Magen David Congregation of Mexico.  

The long-established presence of Sephardim in Latin America traces its roots from waves of migration, beginning since the arrival of Spanish Jews in the 1500s (some crypto-Jews). Other waves included Moroccan Jewish migration in the 1800s and Syrian Jewish migration in the early 20th century. Today, the Diaspora in Brazil, Panama, Mexico, and the U.S. were all mobilized and ready to help the Ukrainian Jews in dire straits.  

Inspiration from Ike Sutton
Ike Sutton, describing the turn of events that unfolded and inspired them to help, said, “What if I told you and you imagined for a moment (with real thought and understanding) that your brother was stuck in Ukraine? Not your cousin, not a relative, not just another Jewish person, but your real blood brother. Imagine your brother stuck in Ukraine, with no electricity, no food for a week, bombs exploding, guns shooting, and people dying all around. He calls you up and says, ‘I need help, I got to get out of here!’”  Sutton went on, “You know what, you make a phone call or two and find out that there is an Israeli special-ops unit that you can send in to save your brother’s life. It costs $50,000 to hire that group and get them in to Ukraine under those conditions and get them out. Would you spend the money? Would you spend $50,000 to save your brother?”  Sutton added, “I know every one of you would beg, borrow, and steal to try to get that money to save your brother’s life.”  Sutton paused. “We did that over 12,000 times.”  

Teamwork and Experience  

Sutton described the methodology employed. The groups on the ground dealt with all of the issues happening on a daily basis. They had to get the buses and ensure the escape route was clear. He also cited that funding was the most essential item to keep the effort and extraction ongoing “everything costs money.”  

The Sephardic community had been generous in that regard, having raised over 4 million dollars. Within the first three weeks, it cost them over 2.5 million dollars and they still had 1 million left in the bank account. The teams traverse back and forth via busses between Odessa, a town in western Ukraine, into the neighboring nation of Moldova. The teams go across the borders regularly. With time and experience they now are better equipped and have a better understanding of what to do, and how to traverse the journey that could take hours, depending on where they are geographically. A woman described how the team rescued her 80-year-old grandparents within 48 hours of notice. “Now that we really understand what we are doing and how to navigate and move about and bob and weave, we are ready to do more,” Sutton said, giving the firm indication that the experience garnered will only help them continue the ongoing effort to bring out more souls that need saving.   

Divine Intervention 

Mark Adjmi, one of the organizers described a story that was clearly hashgaha pratit. Adjmi had recently undergone surgery on a finger, and subsequently had and appointment to see a physician’s assistant (PA) to help with his bandage. The procedure went longer than expected. He was still with the PA when he received an urgent conference call with the team. Of course, the PA overheard the call. He said, “And I saw in her eyes something, and I asked her, ‘Where are you from?’ and she said, ‘Ukraine’.” Her parents were still there and needed help. The team had no idea where the parents were in Ukraine at the time, but they were able to get them out.   

“Again,” Adjmi said, “people are people. We help whoever we are able to help.”  He later found out afterwards that the PA’s parents had delayed leaving because they were helping an elderly Jewish couple and so they did not flee when they had a chance earlier. “To me it’s amazing,” Adjmi said. “There is no coincidence. So my story is that I was in the right place at the right time to have the zechut to help someone.”
Adjmi went on to note the critical contribution of a woman who also is blessed with the zechut to help others in Ukraine. “The star of our Ukrainian emergency effort is Magalit,” Adjmi said. “This woman has taken on the challenge to put together a team in an undisclosed location to work day and night, because there is a six to seven hour time difference, depending on time of year, from here to Ukraine.”  Magalit had lived in Ukraine and therefore was able to help provide useful information that enabled the team to figure out the data needed to carry out the mission in the field.  

Zaparizhzhia and Mariupol  

Rabbi Raymond Sultan, Executive Director of the Sephardic Heritage Museum described how he worked with many rabbis and Jewish leaders across the vast span of the former Soviet nation. He said they were able to mobilize “buses and buses” of Jewish refugees out of Zaparizhzhia, a city that had a vibrant Jewish presence only months ago. Rabbi Nachum Ehrentreu described the ordeal, constantly facing shelling. They “did not know what to do” until they got a miraculous phone call from the Sephardic Heritage Museum offering help! Describing the town of Mariupol near the Russian border, Rabbi Sultan adopted a grimmer tone, “If you are listening to the news, you may have heard of the city called Mariupol. It is a very, very sad story. It is not like Zaporizhzhia that still has a chance, maybe. Mariupol is surrounded. It is besieged for a long time. There is no electricity, no water, no telephones, and no internet. Hunger is rampant, and people are dying of starvation.”  

Rabbi Mendy Cohen had served as a Chabad emissary for 17 years here. He initially thought that “there was no hope” until he got a lifeline via a phone call from Rabbi Sultan, Rabbi David Haber, and Magalit. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, everything was wiped out, the kindergarten, homes, the school, and the synagogues (including a new one). Every building was damaged in the shelling. It was also almost impossible to evacuate Mariupol because the city was closed off. Right at the onset of the war with Russia at least one hundred families managed to drive away with cars when they still had fuel, although it was risky. Those who remained, however, were less fortunate. Many are still in shelters with no food or electricity. They cannot shower, and they can only long to see the news. Their only goal is to survive for the next few hours or days while they wait. Rabbi Mendy says that 80 percent of the city has already been destroyed. He described how many fled with just their passports (maybe) and the clothes on their backs, many passing  scores of dead bodies as they fled. “The Jews from Mariupol have to start their lives from scratch,” he said. Rabbi Cohen then smiled. “I know that your community has a lot of Cohanim” but he and Rabbi Ehrentraub (also a Cohen) insisted on giving a beracha out of gratitude for them helping Jews “from another community.”  

Let Us All Join Together to Help 

The president of the Panama Magen David community spoke about how only six months ago, a number of Sephardic groups across the Americas gathered to form an initiative to get leaders to share ideas together. The groups hailed from Brazil, Panama, Argentina, and the United States. He highlighted how such groups are more important than now in crises such as this.  

“We have put our money together for something good” Adjmi said. Long after the Holocaust where many Ukrainian Jews died, unable to flee, they made a difference. This time in a crisis, the Jews were able to escape because the Sephardic Heritage Museum was able to raise money, coordinate the logistics efficiently and save them. For the mission to continue, it requires money to help the thousands more who are stuck in Ukraine. Given the efficiency of the group that formed on such short notice, they will continue to save more Jewish lives in need.

What do bullies look like? Most people would picture the burliest, toughest kid in the class, who has issues at home and who openly preys on the smallest and the weakest kids, harassing their victims both physically and emotionally. But actually, bullies comes in all shapes and their tactics can vary widely. Unfortunately, most bullying is not obvious. It typically does not look like what is portrayed in the media. Often, bullying starts with words and seemingly small actions, such as excluding someone from joining in at the lunch table. Then, leaving them out of a big play date. Then a birthday party. I clearly remember the awful feeling of being left out, myself. And what little social media we had at the time (My Space and then Facebook) made it worse because I could see when people would go out without me, and I knew exactly what I was missing out on. That sting I felt is still with me through adulthood. Unfortunately, the lasting effects of bullying and/or social exclusion are not magically erased on your 18th birthday. 

I imagine being left out feels far worse for kids nowadays, as they have endless amounts of apps and technology at their fingertips, which allow them to see just what everyone else is doing.

Parents, I call on you to increase your awareness and to take a strong stand against bullying in all its forms. If your child usually has a group of friends over from time to time, pay attention if one of the kids who used to come around suddenly does not. Ask your kid how that kid is doing. We should always teach our kids to seek out the child that has no one to talk to at lunch, or who is playing alone at recess. These kids will not ask for help, so it is our job to teach our own kids to look out for kids who do not seem to be included in a social group, and to befriend them and show them special consideration. Our aim is not only to teach our kids to not be bullies. We need to teach them to reach out to kids who are being bullied or simply excluded (a form of bullying in itself). Let’s hear from community members what they have to say about this important subject. Some names and details of the personal stories below have been changed to protect the parties involved.

Marcy Jemal

In elementary school there was a girl in my class who was actually a nice, normal girl. For whatever reason my friends used to call her a loser, so I went along with it . I took the initiative to tell everyone not to invite her or include her in any of our plans. It got to the point where I became the leader of the pack, and got my friends to behave badly towards this one girl, too. I didn’t even have a reason. I think my friends just called her names and I went along with it, but ultimately, I took it too far. Once in middle school we were all at one girl’s house for a sleepover party and I said out loud, “Omg what is she doing here?!” While she went into the bathroom to get ready for bed, I started making fun of her and calling her names, knowing she could probably hear me. I was saying such mean things even though I knew she was listening. My friends even thought I took it too far.  She came out of the bathroom crying. Every year after that I wrote her a letter before Yom Kippur asking for forgiveness. Years later she told someone that she was traumatized from the experience, and it got back to me. She recovered and we’re friendly now when we see each other, but it definitely affected her in her life. When I think about why I was so awful to her, I think it was most likely just me trying to be cool and fit in. The reason why I share this experience is to present a realistic depiction of what bullying looks like and how it can impact someone, especially at an impressionable young age. 

Gabriella Cohen

I’ve dealt with my child being bullied and so have my friends. It can be difficult to pin down from the start because sometimes it starts at such a young age and happens so subtly that you may not even realize it’s an issue until it escalates. And at that point it’s like, what can you do? Avoiding playing with a certain child deliberately and in a mean way is one of the subtle ways bullying can rear its ugly head. I think the schools really have to get a handle on it. I’ve seen it, a mean comment here and there gets ignored and eventually it can get physical and only then is the bully penalized. It’s absurd that it has to get to such an extreme situation before anything is addressed. Children should feel safe in school. During lunch and on the bus there are large gaps in supervision and kids take advantage of this. Parents and teachers should be teaching kids to be sensitive and to be inclusive. I feel as though we have enough resources in this community to nail down this issue and make it a thing of the past. 

Dani Sutton

I went to yeshiva from K-8th grade. Then I went to a public high school. I had three kids in my 8th grade yeshiva. Going from a tiny school to a huge high school was very intimating. I knew no one. I was bullied by upperclassmen. They called me “ugly” and made fun of my eye that looked different. Then they started to make fun of me for being Jewish. The school did nothing… I let them know and got them to listen to voicemails that bullies would leave me, but still nothing was done. 

Rena Ash 

My son was bullied at school. It was really bad. At one point he didn’t want to go to school because one kid was extremely mean to him. Fortunately, he had an amazing principal whom we called and he really took care of it all the way. He made an announcement that any form of bullying will not be tolerated, and I guess they were young enough that they still feared authority and they listened. My child is only six now. I’m sure it’s more complicated the older they get. If the teacher is really good and truly cares about the kids I would recommend calling her/him. I always tell my kids how important it is to accept everyone and not push anyone away. The last thing I want is for my kids to be the bully. I’m sure most parents feel this way, too.  

Valorie Shamah

The bullying started out in first grade. It was so confusing to me. I really truly did not understand why no one wanted to be my friend all of a sudden! I told my mom what had been going on and she was devastated. I still remember her face. She couldn’t believe other six-year-old kids were capable of doing this to another child. She was horrified. Little did either of us know this was just the beginning. My school life first through eighth grade was consumed with physical and emotional abuse. Name calling, pushing, shoving, spitting, punching, and more. I was not safe and there wasn’t anything any adult at school was doing to stop it.

My mother tried several things to get it to stop, but to no avail. First, she tried calling the parents of my tormentors, but they truly could not have cared less. They dismissed her and me. They treated it like a joke. Their children continued to break me down. My mother tried talking to the principal, but unfortunately these families had money and power and it was clear they weren’t going to have consequences. When it got really obvious that it wasn’t resolving itself the principal came up with an idea. We were to have team building workshops to try and bring us together as friends.

Good intentions, bad idea. This made things 20 times worse for me. I was getting threatening notes in my locker saying I’d better lie and say things got better with them, although they had no intention of backing down or leaving me alone. I gave in and told the principal that all was well, I insisted, in fact, and I guess it seemed fishy. They brought in a therapist to try to get a handle on things, but once again, it made matters worse. These girls told the entire school there was something wrong with me and that I needed a therapist. 

Finally, my mom pulled me out of that school and into a safe haven. I came to my new school a broken down shell of the girl I once was. The new principal saw that I was lacking confidence and self-esteem and suggested a specific therapist. At first, I was hurt and opposed to the idea, thinking that therapy was a punishment and would only make things worse.

I was wrong on both accounts. The therapist and I worked together for years. It used to be that I’d hardly ever leave my house and when I did get up the nerve to go out and I saw my old tormentors out in the community I would have almost a physical reaction. I was suddenly a small helpless child again and just wanted to throw up. It made me hardly go out at all. Now I can even walk up to them at a wedding or social gathering and catch up and make small talk as if it never happened. Although I’ll never forget, I have healed. I understand that  I’m lucky and not everyone will have the same fortunate outcome as I did. My heart breaks for the kids and parents that are still going through this.

I wish bullying was a cause we could all rally against. Let’s together fight to make sure every child is safe at school and no one goes through half the abuse I had to take. 

Liat Dahan, Director of Community Education of Project SAFE 

The SAFE organization via Project SAFE has recently begun an anti-bullying initiative in our communities’ schools. SAFE is aware of what a huge problem bullying is and is determined to help students, parents, and schools to make a change for the better. Project SAFE is out to help the community reimagine how we approach bullying prevention in schools. Some of this initiative includes anti-bullying units for middle school SAFE classes. SAFE teachers must go through a full day of training on the subject of bullying. Participating middle schools held assemblies with special guest speaker Debbie Nahmad, and a parent program as well. SAFE understands that the parent portion of this is extremely important. No change in students’ perspective, understanding, and behavior could ever be complete without the active involvement and participation of their most important influencers, their parents. SAFE is enthusiastic about the change that has already begun, addressing the issue in a new way.

Isaac Setton, LMHC,CASAC of Flow Therapy NYC 

When people hear that bullying is going on, they will typically focus their attention on the person being bullied. However, studies have shown that bullying can have negative effects on all  involved, including the bully, the person being bullied, and those who witness the bullying. The “bully” is typically found to engage in risky behaviors as they grow up. The “bullied” face many social, emotional, academic, and mental health issues. And the “witnesses” are more likely to face similar issues as the bully and the bullied, but to a lesser degree. It is vital that we address bullying from all aspects and focus on each individual involved in the situation in order to produce the best outcomes. 

Some of the main points to know about bullies is that they typically struggle with low self-esteem, have trauma from past events, and may have been, or continue to be, neglected.

Some ways to address bullying include talking to those being bullied to empower them to stand up for themselves. It is important to also talk to the bully and learn more about what may be triggering their bullying behaviors. We must teach the “witnesses” to take a stand and push back against the bully along with the ones being bullied. It is crucial that parents, schools, rabbis, and community leaders take a strong stance against any form of bullying. That includes verbal, physical, and cyber.  

I’d like to mention that cyber bullying, although it was not mentioned much above, is possibly the most sneaky and harmful type of bullying, and parents and teachers must be aware of it. WhatsApp chats can get out of hand as well as other platforms that have private group conversations. I would also like to note that children are not the only ones who can be bullies or get bullied. We adults should take stock of how we treat one another. We must lead by example. It is nice to tell your children to be kind to others, but actions speak louder than words. We must set the example for to the next generations to emulate.  

Frieda Schweky is a full-time photographer and part-time freelance writer. If you’d like to message her with questions and comments about the above topic or if you need a photographer for your upcoming simha or photoshoot she can be reached via Instagram @friedaschwekyphoto or email friedaschweky@gmail.com

As Hanukah approaches, we recall the miracle of the small jug of oil that lasted for eight nights. Passover evokes the memory of the backbreaking labor we endured in Egypt, and the matzah we eat to commemorate our liberation. When Shavuot comes along, we rejoice in celebrating the accepting Gd’s Torah on Mount Sinai. 

    Each year, on the 18th day of Iyar, we are called to celebrate Lag Ba’omer, a holiday that comes in between Pesach and Shavuot. Occurring on the thirty-third day of our counting of the Omer, it may not have the pizazz of some of the more well-known holidays, but it is worth celebrating for many reasons, and not just as an occasion that allows us to make weddings and take a haircut! 

On This Day in History 

    In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot, a deadly plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva. As a symbol of mourning for Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 disciples who died, we refrain from listening to music, taking haircuts, participating in wedding celebrations, and the like. On Lag Ba’omer, the plague finally ceased, which was considered a miracle. (In our days we can relate to a deadly plague suddenly ending!) In commemoration of this miracle, we are permitted again to perform the aforementioned practices. 

    Also, on this day we remember the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai, who died on this very day.  In Israel there is a well-known custom to travel to Meron on Lag Ba’omer. It is the burial place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, commonly referred to by the acronymic abbreviation of his name, Rashbi. This great rabbi died on Lag Ba’omer about eighteen centuries ago. 

    One might wonder: If Lag Ba’omer marks the date of Rabbi Shimon’s death, why is it largely celebrated with outings, bonfires, and other joyous events? To answer, let’s first better understand who this great man was. 

The Story of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai 

    When Rashbi was a young boy, he studied in the great academy of Yavneh. His principal teacher was the illustrious Rabbi Akiva, with whom he developed a strong relationship. In fact, Rabbi Akiva would come to refer to him as “my son.” 

    After the Bar Kochba revolt, the Roman emperor, Hadrian, persecuted the Jews mercilessly. He shut down the Talmudic academies and Torah study was forbidden under penalty of death. Some Jews learned Torah in secret. They brought food and drink with them outdoors, and sometimes bows and arrows. If approached by the Romans, they would claim they were on an outing. Thus, Lag Ba’omer is a popular time in Israel for picnics and archery.  

   During Hadrian’s time, Rabbi Akiva defiantly continued to teach Torah publicly. His devoted pupil Shimon remained at his side. Although Rabbi Akiva was eventually arrested, Rabbi Shimon continued to visit his mentor in prison to receive instruction. It was only death that would finally separate them as Rabbi Akiva was condemned to die al kiddush Hashem (for the sanctification of Gd’s name). 

    These were horrific times for the Jewish people in Israel, who remained under the brutal persecution of the Roman emperor. It was nearly impossible to study Torah or to worship Hashem. 

    The cruel Romans realized that the continuity of the Jewish nation depended on the chain of semicha, the ordination of rabbis. They forbade such ordination, and decreed that anyone who ordains or is ordained would be executed if discovered. Thus, the knowledge of Gd and his Torah was at risk of being forgotten. 

    Despite the danger, the great Rabbi Yehudah ben Baba publicly ordained five scholars during this time. The Roman authorities discovered the semicha ceremony taking place. The scholars, including Rabbi Shimon, escaped. Rabbi Yehudah ben Baba was already seventy years old, and could not run away, but he directed his students to flee. Rabbi Yehudah ben Baba was caught and put to death. 

    Finally, Hadrian himself died and the decrees that had been in effect were no longer enforced with the same brutality. The leading sages of the time gathered to consider how they might restore the Jewish religion. 

    The sages moved to Yavneh, where they conferred in a vineyard. 

    In discussing what stance to take towards the Roman government, Rabbi Yehudah suggested a friendly one, Rabbi Yossi HaGelili expressed no opinion, while Rabbi Shimon spoke very bitterly of the Roman tyrants, and advocated every possible defiance.  

    Among the great sages present was Rabbi Yehuda Ben Gerim, who recounted the meeting to others. It was a fatal mistake, which led to the Roman government’s discovery of the meeting and the details of the rabbis’ exchange.  At once, honor and rank were decreed for Rabbi Yehudah for speaking favorably of government, exile was decreed for Rabbi Yossi for failing to do so, and death was decreed for Rabbi Shimon, who dared to challenge the empire. 

    Rabbi Shimon fled for his life together with his son Rabbi Elazar. 

    For some time, the two stayed in hiding in a bet midrash, where Rabbi Shimon’s wife brought them bread and water daily. When the search for them was intensified, they decided to seek a better hiding place. The father and son moved to hide in a cave, not telling anyone of their whereabouts. Gd caused a carob tree to materialize at the entrance of the cave, along with a spring of fresh water. For twelve years, Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai and his son, Elazar, dwelt in the cave, sustaining themselves on carobs and water. During this time, they studied and prayed until they became the holiest sages of their day. 

    At the end of twelve years, the Prophet Elijah brought them good tidings. There had been of a change in the government and they had been given a reprieve. Father and son finally left the cave. 

    Rashbi settled in the town of Tekoa, where he founded a great Torah academy. The most eminent  scholars of the time gathered there to receive instruction from Rabbi Shimon. Among them was Rabbi Yehudah Ha’nasi, who later compiled the Mishnah. 

Reason for Celebration 

    When he reached the final day of his life, Rabbi Shimon called his students together and told them to pay close attention. The Zohar (3:291b) describes the scene: Rabbi Shimon spent the entire day in a prophetic stream of consciousness, revealing the deepest mystical secrets of the Torah. He told his students: “Until now, I have held the secrets close to my heart. But now, before I die, I wish to reveal them all.” 

    Rabbi Abba, a student assigned with the job of transcribing Rabbi Shimon’s words, reports: “I couldn’t even lift my head due to the intense light emanating from Rabbi Shimon’s face. The entire day, the house was filled with fire, and nobody could get close, due to the wall of fire and light. At the end of the day, the fire finally subsided, and I was able to look at the face of Rabbi Shimon: He was dead, wrapped in his tallit, lying on his right side – and smiling.” 

    Let’s return now to our original question: If Lag Ba’omer marks the date of Rabbi Shimon’s death, why is it cause for such a celebration? 

    The Romans had convicted Rabbi Shimon of a capital crime. By all rights, he should have died well before his time. But through tremendous self-sacrifice and a series of miracles, Rashbi was able to live out a full life, the climax of which was the revelation of the Torah’s greatest secrets. All this is cause for celebration! And the bonfires lit all around Israel, and in other Jewish communities around the world, commemorate the bright fire of Rashbi’s last day.