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Temple Beth-El Religious School May 08, 2003 Number 29 |
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Lag B’Omer
by Rabbi Yehudah Prero
Lag B'Omer means "the 33rd day of the (counting of the) Omer. This day is observed as a day of rejoicing because on this day, the students of Rabbi Akiva did not die. We therefore are permitted to take haircuts, listen to music, hold weddings etc., because the signs of mourning, which we have been observing, are not necessary on this day of great happiness.
Lag B'Omer, the 18th day of Iyar, also corresponds to the date of the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, one of the great sages from the era of the Mishna. Although the death of a great sage is usually not marked with rejoicing, but rather with sadness, we treat Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai differently. The Zohar in Parshat Ha'azinu tells us that on the day Rabbi Shimon passed away, a great light of endless joy filed the day, because of the secret wisdom he revealed to his students. That secret wisdom was written down and recorded in the Zohar.
In Israel, people flock to the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in the city of Meron. There is dancing, singing, and bonfires are lit. Many people wait until their son is three before cutting his hair, and on the Lag B'omer of his third year, they cut the boy's hair.
The Bonfire
A number of reasons are cited for the custom of lighting the bonfires of Lag B'Omer. One is a remembrance of the fire at Mt. Sinai at the giving of the Torah. Another is to remind us of the fire that was always present when Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai learned Torah.
There is another reason. The fire represents the Jewish Neshama (soul). It say in Proverbs, "The Soul of Man is Hashem's candle (light). The bonfire is a symbol of the igniting of the Jewish soul on this day, and its desire to come closer to Hashem.
Lesson ideas:
http://www.bjesf.org/MAIN/L/omer.html
Faculty Retreat August 23-24
Returning teachers: please mark you calendar for our Faculty Retreat on the evening of August 23 and all day on August 24 in a location to be announced. We will send you more information in the near future.
Looking for New Religious School Teachers
Unfortunately, a few of you will be leaving us for new adventures, which means that I am looking for several new Religious School and Hebrew School teachers for next year. Please speak to me if you know of anyone who would like to join our faculty!
Lesson in the Morning
From 8:15 to 8:45, any teacher or ma’aseh who chooses to strengthen their Judaic knowledge and community amongst the teachers and ma’aseh may come and join us for learning, conversations and lesson planning. This program is completely on a volunteer basis. It is to strengthen our teaching community and to expand our knowledge of Judaism and ourselves.
On staff meeting days, there will be no Shiur BaBoker.
This Sunday’s Topic: Do you believe in Ghosts?
May 18th is Family Day in the Park
May 11th will be our last day at Temple but May 18th will be the last day of Religious School. We will be holding a Potluck Brunch in the Park with games, sports and art activities. Each teacher and ma’aseh will be asked to lead an activity. The activities may range from face painting, to kickball, to story telling, etc. Please let me know what you might be interested in doing.
NO Last Day Parties
May 11th is the last day of Religious School at Temple but not the last day of Religious School. Do not have a last day of class party on May 11th. If you would like to play fun review games, do something unique with your kids, watch a video which correlates to your lesson or something to that affect, that would be fine, but do not have them bring in outside food or dedicate class time to listening to music and “partying.” Our last day party will be on May 18th in San Pedro Park.
Year Ending Soon
We need a few things from all teachers before the school ends:
1. Progress Reports were given out on April 27th, and we are expecting to receive them from you May 11th, THIS SUNDAY!
2. Each teacher needs to nominate students for Shomrei Torah (for Judaica) or Talmid Ivrit (for Hebrew studies). Please get these nominations to me by the end of class on May 11th.
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May 11 “Yom HaEm” (mother’s day) Billy Jonas Concert, everyone is welcome, AH-HAH
May 13 Last day of weekday Hebrew at JCC, end of the year tefillot
May 14 Last day of weekday Hebrew at Temple, end of the year tefillot
May 18 Last day of Religious School culminating at San Pedro Park for Family Potluck Brunch Bonim through 2nd Grade Awards Ceremony
May 20 Lag B’Omer |