By the Grace of G-d
Pesach Sheni, 5723
Brooklyn, New York
Greeting and Blessing:
...Lag B'Omer is a particularly fitting day for celebration by Jewish children in the manner and spirit sponsored by those dedicated to the sanctity of Jewish education. Even more so this year, the 150th Yartzeit-Anniversary of the Old Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch, and founder of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement and way of life. As my father-in-law of blessed memory related, the Mittele Rebbe, son of the Old Rebbe, used to observe Lag B’Omer with extraordinary inspiration and joy.
The historical background of Lag B’Omer is well known. Our Sages of the Talmud explain that the days of Sefirah were saddened by the tragic consequences suffered for the failure, on the part of thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s disciples, to love and respect each other, which brought void and desolation into Jewish life. The 33rd day of Sefirah (Lag B’Omer) stood out as a bright exception. Jewish life was later again revived by the surviving disciples, especially by Rabbi Shimon ben Yochoi who unlocked the secrets of the Torah and gave us the holy book, the Zohar. Lag B'Omer is also the day of his Yartzeit.
Lag B'Omer reminds us that the disunity and division among our Jewish people is caused by the neglect of the Torah and Mitzvoth in the daily life. It also reminds us that Ahavath Yisroel - love of our fellow Jews - is the "Great Principle" of the Torah, as taught by Rabbi Akiva and further explained by Rabbi Shimon ben Yochoi, and in recent generations by Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi and their successors.
Lag B'Omer calls upon each and every one, young and old, to strengthen the oneness of our people through study and practice of the one Torah, given to us by the One G-d.
May G-d grant that the auspicious day of Lag B'Omer inspire each and everyone to a greater measure of love of G-d, the Torah and the Jewish people, and that it find expression in the personal daily life and conduct and in Increasing efforts to disseminate the Torah and Mitzvoth among our people everywhere. This will surely bring to us all a greater measure of Divine blessings, and the fulfillment of our hearts' desires for good, both materially and spiritually.
With blessing,
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