Lag BaOmer and the Hilula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
Why is Lag BaOmer the hilula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai? The meaning of 18 Iyar, Meron and the Arizal, bonfires, upsherin, bows and arrows, and the Idra Zuta.
Resources
Articles on the customs of the yahrzeit and the kever, Torah from the tzaddikim, and trusted libraries.
Lighting a Candle for a Tzaddik: Ner Neshama Sources and Customs
Why light a ner neshama in the zechus of a tzaddik? The source in Mishlei, the custom on a hilula, tzedakah for Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess, and lighting safely.
Rosh Hashanah in Uman: Rebbe Nachman's Kibbutz
Why do tens of thousands spend Rosh Hashanah in Uman? The promise of Rebbe Nachman, Reb Noson's kibbutz since 1811, the Soviet years, Tikkun HaKlali and today.
Segulos at the Kever of a Tzaddik: What Tradition Teaches
Segulos at the kever of a tzaddik: what tradition teaches about Tikkun HaKlali, Amukah, Kever Rachel, Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess and 40 days of tefillah.
Asara Harugei Malchus: The Ten Martyrs and Their Names
Who were the Asara Harugei Malchus, the Ten Martyrs? Their names, the story of Eileh Ezkera on Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av, and the lesson they leave us.
Chassidic Dynasties: From the Baal Shem Tov to Today
A clear guide to the Chassidic dynasties: the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid's talmidim, and how Chabad, Ger, Belz, Satmar, Vizhnitz and Bobov grew and rebuilt.
Visiting Kivrei Tzaddikim: Customs, Tefillos and Guidance
A practical guide to visiting kivrei tzaddikim: why we go, how to prepare, what to say at the kever, kvitlach, kohanim and the ohel, and behaving with kavod.
What Is a Yahrzeit (Hilula)? Meaning, Customs and Observance
What is a yahrzeit, and why is a tzaddik's called a hilula? The meaning, the Hebrew date, and customs for marking the day with light, Torah and tzedakah.