The End of a Pandemic

Do Pandemics and Jewish Mysticism have any connection to each other? Do we celebrate the end of a Pandemic? For that matter when does a Pandemic end? 

Considering that many in other places in the world are still suffering, we’ll leave this question to the speculators and pontificators. (Good yontif pontiff!)

In fact, many years ago a pandemic ended and we celebrate that event on the day of Lag Baomer, the 33rd day of the counting between Pesach and Shavous.

There is another event that is commemorated and one can speculate which is the real celebration and that is the passing of the author of the Zohar, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

While it may seem strange to celebrate the passing of a great Rabbi, it was his request that this day be commemorated through rejoicing.  Additionally, on this day he revealed many great teachings of Jewish mysticism.

As we here in the USA can begin to feel the end of the pandemic and I pray it continues this way, I can begin to feel the release and relief of the trauma of these past 15 months.  It also gives me the ability to look back and reflect.

What indeed fortified me during these months? In fact what fortifies me whenever I’m in a challenging situation?  

In my experience anchoring myself in Hashem and in Jewish mystical teachings combined with the actions and tactics that we as Humans are required to do is the tools for navigation.

Mysticism can sound like an other worldly word.  In fact, mysticism is the yearning of our being.  The yearning to make meaning of our lives, our challenges and blessings. It is the yearning to watch our children grow as healthy human beings making meaning and purpose in their own lives.  It’s dreaming of a world where all is well because people have what they need and care for each other.  

In a word it is our ability to look deeper.

Perhaps then, these two events commemorated on Lag B’omer are not that disjointed.  The end of a pandemic and the passing of the father of Jewish mysticism.  For with one we are empowered to navigate the other.  And the one reminds us to look deeper by looking to the other.

Please join us for a Lag B’omer celebration this Friday.  Follow this link to all the info.

Good Shabbos and Lag Sameach!

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