Israel Celebrates Lag BaOmer

Israel this evening begins celebrateing Lag BaOmer, occurring every year on the 18^th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. The holiday marks the anniversary of the death of renowned Jewish scholar Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.  Those celebrating traditionally light bonfires commemorating his death some 1,800 years ago. This symbolizes the light his teachings brought to the world, specifically the secrets of the Kabbalah, the leading text on Jewish mysticism, which he revealed the day he died. Thousands of Jews in Israel will light large bonfires and visit his final resting place in Meron.