* Translated by Yehoshua Siskin
Today is Lag BaOmer, the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. He is identified with the hidden Torah, the Zohar, and the Kabbalah.
We are not mystics ourselves, but so many of us connect to this day because we identify with its message, that there are many layers of reality. There is an outer visible layer, but beneath it there are so many hidden layers as well..
Let us examine some of our secrets so as to taste a little of the hidden wisdom uncovered by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai:
This nation may sometimes appear divided but deep inside it is united in a simple and sacred unity; all Jewish souls are united since each is a part of God Himself.
That child who seems rebellious and has brought his teachers to despair is only that way on the outside. Inside, he is a pure soul that only wants to illuminate the world.
Our Torah is sometimes difficult and challenging to understand, but always glows with a wonderful light. Just as oxygen sustains the body, Torah sustains the soul.
One must always look deeper and not be satisfied with what is seen on the surface, not be enslaved to appearances and headlines alone. In an era of likes and playing to the crowd, the Jewish people unite around righteous men and women, holy individuals who connect us to ourselves, to Torah, and to God.
This is our day to embrace such a vision. To be, ourselves as well, a little bit, people of the hidden Torah. Try to look at the world around you this way today — even just for a moment.
May we succeed in this bold endeavor, starting today.
Happy Lag BaOmer.
