Nishmas Day 3 | Rabbi Schlomo Bochner
In The Zechus of Reb Shimon
Last Lag BaOmer, I was present at a magnificent hadlaka held in Krakow at the kever of the Re"ma, whose yahrzeit is today as well. It was an experience that transcended the ordinary. Everyone present, including the non-Jews looking on, felt the tremendous inspiration and warmth. As we danced around the soaring flames, a man approached me with tears streaming down his face. As I held his hands, he cried out to me: "Rabbi Bochner, I've been part of Bonei Olam for so many years, and I’m still waiting for my miracle." I responded to his tearful words with an emotional bracha : "In the zchus of our singing and dancing in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, we should hear Bsuros Tovos." Nine months later, this man welcomed a healthy child into the world – a miracle brought about by the holy day of Lag Baomer. Lag Baomer has always been a day of profound unity. From Brooklyn to Bnei Brak, from Monsey to Melbourne, Yidden gather together around brilliant bonfires, their faces glowing with the same inspiration and warmth we felt that night in Krakow. On this day of achdus, instead of turning inward to daven for our needs, Rabbi Shimon invites us to go the extra step — to look outward and daven for another. Think of your friend still searching for their bashert. Your classmate who’s waiting for a child. Reach out, and pull them into your circle of tefillah.