by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com This article is printed in honor of the Bris Milah of our new einekel, who was named after Rabbi Yitzchok Wenger z"l of
Sephardic and non-Chasidic Ashkenazic Jews follow the custom recorded in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 270) to recite the Mishnayot of the second perek of Masechet Shabbat, Bameh Madlikin, on Friday evenings.
Photo Credit: Yossi Zeliger / Flash 90
One of the major topics in this week’s parsha, Parshas Emor, is the discussion about the various Jewish holidays (Parshas Emor, 23:1-44). As such, we will take the liberty of talking about a holiday of sorts which falls out this year (5781) on Thursday night â Friday, Erev Parshas Emor, which celebrates the Rashbâi (Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai. This day is known as Lag Bâomer. It is also called âHillula dâRashbâi (the celebration of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai) on account of Rebbi Shimonâs accomplishments and contributions to the Jewish people.
The famous story about the Rashbâi (Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai) is found in Meseches Shabbos (chap. 2, âBameh Madlikinâ, pg. 33b). The Talmudic page number (33) is not arbitrary as it alludes to the 33rd day of the Omer on which we celebrate the life and contributions of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai.