Jewish pilgrims seen at the gravesite of Rashbi, or Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai, in Meron in the northern Galilee ahead of the start of the Jewish holiday of Lag B Omer, on April 29, 2021. (David Cohen/Flash90)
Two people were arrested in scuffles with police at a northern pilgrimage area on Thursday afternoon as officials warned that traditional Lag B’Omer celebrations at the site could turn into a mass-contagion event that would set back the fight against COVID-19.
Tens of thousands of revelers gathered throughout the evening for traditional celebrations on Mount Meron in the northern Galilee, which include visits to the gravesite of the second-century sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai and massive bonfires on the mountainside.
Education:
Classes in grades 5, 6, 11 and 12 will be permitted in green and yellow cities as well as in orange cities with a 70% vaccination rate and the Magen Chinuch plan.
Without the Green Badge:
Malls, open shopping centers and markets, street stores, museums and libraries will be allowed to open according to the stringent Purple Badge. Houses of worship will also be permitted to open (10:20, according to the choice of the house of worship).
With the Green Badge (only for people who have received both doses of the vaccine + one week and people who have recovered):
Gyms and studios, cultural and sports events, fairs, houses of worship (upon advance registration, according to the choice of the house of worship), hotels (without dining rooms, with an option for those under 16 with a negative test) and swimming pools may open.
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An area believed by some to be the burial place of the ancient Maccabees outside Modiin in central Israel. (Shmuel Bar-Am)
The Maccabees, as depicted by the Polish artist Wojciech Stattler (1800–1875) (Public domain via Wikimedia Commons)
The Valley of the Springs outside Modiin features archaeological remains including Roman-era residential caves and stone aqueducts. (Shmuel Bar-Am)
A view of the Ayalon Valley, believed to be the site of ancient battles between the Maccabees and Greeks. (Shmuel Bar-Am)
A path for visitors near the Aked ruins in central Israel. (Shmuel Bar-Am)
An ancient wine press in the Ayalon Canada Park outside Modiin. The 2-acre park hosts a variety of archaeological sites and nature trails. (Shmuel Bar-Am)