Thousands converge on Kiryas Joel to commemorate the death of a sage

Grand Rabbi Aron Teitelbaum lights the bonfire

KIRYAS YOEL – Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews converged on the Village of Kiryas Joel Wednesday evening to celebrate the life and commemorate the death of a sage, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who died on that date in the second century.

As is tradition on this holiday of Lag Baomer, a large bonfire is lit, and that is symbolic of the sage's life and teachings, said Kiryas Joel government affairs liaison Ari Felberman.

''On the day of the anniversary of one's passing it is important to read his writings, study his teachings and by this you invoke his blessings upon you,'' Felberman said. ''The bonfire is like he brought light to the world through his revealing of the Torah.''

Organizers in Kiryas Joel said while bonfires are held in other Jewish communities around the country, their's is the largest celebration of its kind.