May 22, 2024
Six Fascinating Facts That make Lag Ba'omer a memorable and more festive day
Six Fascinating Facts That make Lag Ba'omer a memorable and more festive day
- The Shulchan Aruch (493:2) mentions the custom of increasing joy on Lag Ba'omer because it's the day that the students of R' Akiva stopped dying.
- The Pri Chadash (ibid) questions the reason for the celebration since they all died. He answers that we are celebrating Rebbe Akiva's acquisition of five new students who didn't perish like the others.
- Chida (Birchei Yosef 493:4), Chayei Adom (131:11), and Kaf Hachaim (493:26) all say Lag Ba'Omer is the day that R' Shimon Bar Yochai passed away.
- According to Zohar (Idra Zuta: 23,26), Lag Ba'omer is a day of unique revelations. On this day, R' Shimon Bar Yochai shared many secrets of the Torah that had never been unveiled before.
- The Aruch HaShulchan (493:7) says it's the day R' Shimon Bar Yochai and his son, R' Elazer, left the cave after hiding from the Romans for 12 years.
- Chasam Sofer (Y.D. 233) adds that Lag Ba'omer was the day the Manna began falling.
Laws and Customs Regarding Making a Siyum During The Nine Days
Making a Siyum During The Nine Days
The Shulchan Aruch (551:10) rules that one may not eat meat or drink wine during the nine days unless it's a Seudas Mitzvah. Included in the list of what's considered a Seudas Mitzvah is making a siyum.
Wh…
Freshly Cleaned Clothing During the Nine Days
*Freshly Cleaned Clothing*
The Rama (551:3) says that from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B’Av, one may not wear freshly laundered clothing.
If one wishes to wear freshly washed garments during the Nine Days, they should be worn beforehan…