Lag B'Omer: The Life & Miracles of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai [Short & Sweet Inspiration]

In this special Lag B'Omer episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe celebrates the 33rd day of the Omer (18 Iyar) as the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi), one of the greatest Tanaim and author of the Zohar. The Talmud hints to him via “Hamin ha’etz” (same letters as Haman) from the Tree of Knowledge—both represent focusing on what we lack instead of appreciating what we have.Rashbi’s life story includes:Student of Rabbi Akiva; one of five who re-established Torah after the plague that killed 24,000 students.Hid in a cave for 12 years (with his son Elazar) surviving on carobs and water, studying Torah with Eliyahu HaNavi—emerging with unparalleled mystical wisdom.His teachings emphasize loving fellow Jews, the power of a good name, and the three crowns (Torah, priesthood, royalty), with the crown of a good name excelling above all.Customs for the day include bonfires (commemorating his fiery spirit and the heavenly fire at his funeral), bows and arrows (no rainbow appeared in his lifetime, symbolizing high spirituality), music, outings, haircuts for three-year-olds, and charity at his gravesite in Meron. The rabbi highlights Rashbi’s power to free the world from judgment and the immense merit of praying at his tomb._____________Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on May 9, 2023, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 9, 2023_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: [email protected]_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Omer, #LagBOmer, #RabbiShimonBarYochai, #Rashbi, #Zohar, #Meron, #Bonfires, #OmerCustoms, #JewishMysticism, #TorahLegacy, #KiddushHashem ★ Support this podcast ★