Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
| Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai | |
|---|---|
Dancing in the yard of the tomb, 2016 | |
| Observed by | Jews |
| Significance | Anniversary of death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai |
| Celebrations | Lighting of a bonfire, mass dances |
| Date | 18 Iyar |
| 2024 date | Sunset, 25 May – nightfall, 26 May |
| 2025 date | Sunset, 15 May – nightfall, 16 May |
| 2026 date | Sunset, 4 May – nightfall, 5 May |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Lag BaOmer |
Every year on Lag BaOmer, some 200,000 people attend the 'Yom Hillula' (day of rejoicing) at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, Israel. The highlight of the event is the traditional bonfire lit after nightfall on the roof of the tomb, after which celebration with music and dancing begins. From the 13th century onwards, the site became the most popular Jewish pilgrimage site in all of Israel, the celebration first being mentioned by an Italian traveller in 1322. Today it is the largest mass annual event in Israel.