Rabbi Shmuel Ani of the Madison Torah Center addressed the gathering by saying, “L’ag B’Omer is a very special day. It is the day that our venerable sage, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, left this world and entered the World to Come. On this day, he gave his people the gift of the Zohar, which he authored. He transmitted to us the mystical aspects and hidden meaning behind the holy words of our Torah. The bonfire that we built tonight represents the Aish HaTorah (the fire of Torah) that burns bright in our hearts, every day of our lives. It is our responsibility to learn Torah and support those who do, to ensure that the light of Torah will never be extinguished in this world.”
He then invited all those present to recite berachot to Hashem and partake of refreshments which included a variety of cakes and cookies, candies and soda which were set up on tables under exquisitely decorated white tents.
Later in the evening, a unique Sephardic tradition of auctioning off candles with the names of our patriarchs and great rabbis throughout the ages was held. Rabbi Rafael Mizrachi, the Assistant Rabbi of Madison Torah Center, presided over the auction by announcing the zechut (merit) of each person for which the candles represented. Among the people represented by each candle were: Avraham, Yitzhak and Yaakov Avinu, David Ha Melech, Yosef Ha Tzaddik, the AriZal, the Rambam, the Ben Ish Chai, Rabbi Meir Baal Hanness, the Ohr Ha Chaim and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.
“Each candle here today signifies the greatness of the person it is named for,” said Rabbi Mizrachi. “Each of our Avot and our great Rabbanim represented their own special light of Torah and each one has his own unique, individual merits. For example, the candle that represents Aharon HaCohen is tantamount to the concept of peace. Aharon was the the very first Cohen, appointed by Hashem himself. As we know, the Cohanim bless the congregation for long-lasting shalom—not only peace in our homes but peace amongst our people.”
As Rabbi Ani explained, “Our tradition tells us that on L’ag B’Omer, the plague that had engulfed the students of the great Rabbi Akiva, ceased. We also know that the plague was brought because of sinat chinam (when there is animosity amongst our people, a state in which we don’t relate to each other with respect, tolerance and love). We are here today to unite our people with peace and harmony.”
Rabbi Mizrachi added, “Here at the Madison Torah Center, our goal is to expand Kiddush Hashem (bring honor, respect and glory to G-d) in this world. We seek to create a comfortable environment for all Jews, from all backgrounds and all levels of observance. We welcome everyone.”
He announced that the Madison Torah Center has a full program including minyanim three times a day with special morning Torah classes following Shacharit, evening classes on Gemara and Mussar, beautiful Shabbat meals every Shabbat morning after davening, and classes for boys on Shabbat and Yom Tov as well.
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Fern Sidman is an investigative journalist whose articles have appeared in many Jewish publications.
