NEWS & UPDATES

May/Iyar 2006

Contents

1. Iyar:Gradual Growth
2. Lag b'Omer
3. Miracle in Meron
4. Preparing for Shavuot
5. More Omer Resources

Quote

The words of the prophet Elijah to R. Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar: "How many people will be nurtured from this work [The Zohar], when it becomes clear in the last generation at the End of Days; and by virtue of it 'you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land' (Lev. 25:10). "

- Tikunei Zohar, end of sixth tikkun

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Taurus/Iyar: Gradual Growth

by Rabbi Max Weiman
The ox is the astrological sign of this month. Its not built for speed. It's an animal that was used for plowing. This is slow incremental labor that eventually gets the job done. This is Iyar. It's a month to plot out your gradual growth. It's a month to make plans how to become more worthy of receiving God's wisdom on Shavuot.
[Read More]

Lag b'Omer

Adapted from Kabbalah.com & Aish.com
Lag b'Omer is the night of May 15, 2006
Lag B'Omer is the day the brightest light in kabbalistic history – Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai – left this physical world. It is said that all the worldly and spiritual understanding Rabbi Shimon acquired during his lifetime was nothing compared to what he knew on his last day. This day, known as Lag B’Omer, was forever marked as the highest point of knowing that is available the entire year. On this divine day, each one of us has the opportunity to know the answers to our deepest questions.
Read More about Rabbi Shimon
Read More from the Zohar about Rabbi Shimon's passing.
Click here for more articles on Lag b'Omer.

Miracle in Meron

Lag b'Omer is the night of May 15, 2006
On the eve of 18th of Iyar, the thirty-third night of Counting the Omer in 1923, as every year, an enormous crowd was assembled on the roof of the building in Meron that enclosed the tomb of Rebbe Shimon bar Yochai. The huge annual bonfire was throwing off heat and smoke, radiating light that could be seen as far away as the streets of Safed and casting shadows people that danced energetically in front of it. All the other men stood off to the side and sang and clapped enthusiastically to the pulsating beat of the traditional Lag b'Omer songs. Below, in the large courtyard, the women and children also sang and rejoiced, in honor of Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai. A miracle was about to happen...
Read More about Rabbi Shimon
Read More from the Zohar about Rabbi Shimon's passing.
Click here for more articles on Lag b'Omer.

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Preparing for Shavuot

Shavuot is the night of June 1, 2006
On this fiftieth day after Passover, we reach the level of Binah. An awesome amount of light is revealed on this day, as it is the anniversary of when people of the world received the Torah. The energy of Zeir Anpin - the endless Light of "bila hamavet lanetzach – when death was swallowed up forever," which resulted in immortality. The very same energy of immortality is revealed each year on Shavuot. In order to connect to the awesome Light of Shavuot we need to understand and appreciate the great opportunity available to us on this day. Read More

More Iyar & Omer Resources

[Click here] for Counting the Omer (Detailed)
[Click here] for Counting the Omer (Daily simplified)
[Click here] for Daily Omer Meditations
[Click here] for The Omer in the Eyes of Kabbalah from Bnei Baruch
[Click here] for Whispering Flames of Lag b'Omer

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Shavuot Items

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Connection Book

Immortality by Rav Berg

Shavuot CD