Yiras Shamayim
The Sfas Emes (Emor 5652) writes, "I heard from my grandfather [the Chidushei HaRim zt’l] that on Lag b'Omer, one can attain yiras Shamayim."
The Imrei Emes zt'l explains: In Tehillim (chapter 19), there are five pasukim to praise Torah and mitzvos, and each line has five words:
- נפש משיבת תמימה 'ה תורת, "Hashem's Torah is perfect, restoring the soul."
- פתי מחכימת נאמנה 'ה עדות, "The testimony of Hashem is trustworthy, making the simple one wise."
- לב משמחי ישרים 'ה פקודי, "Hashem's orders are upright, gladdening the heart."
- עינים מאירת ברה 'ה מצות, "Hashem's mitzvos are clear, enlightening the eyes."
- לעד עומדת טהורה 'ה יראת, "The fear of Hashem is pure, enduring forever."
The fifth phrase, which has five words, discusses yiras Hashem. This is similar to Lag b'Omer, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth week. The Imrei Emes says that this hints that Lag b'Omer is an ideal time to attain yiras Shamayim.
Refuah
יוחאי בר שמעון is gematriya ורפאתיו. This hints to us that Lag b'Omer is a day mesugal for refuah.
It is known that the sefirah הוד is mesugal for refuah. Reb Pinchas of Koritz zt’l adds that Lag b'Omer, whose sefirah is שבהוד הוד, is certainly mesugal for refuah. Rebbe Pinchas of Koritz taught that if one needs to take medication, he should begin taking it on Lag b’Omer.
Many stories of refuos occurred in Meron, particularly on Lag b'Omer, and we write some of them in the footnote.
