18 May Lessons of Light
As we mark Lag B’Omer this week, we reflect on the lives and teachings of two great sages in Jewish history: Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Their stories offer powerful lessons that still speak to us—and to the world—today. Rabbi Akiva taught that the most important value in the Torah is “Love your neighbour as yourself.” This principle is more than a nice idea—it’s a way of life. When we speak kindly, have empathy for others, treat others with respect, and care for one another, we help build a school- and by extension a world -filled with peace and friendship.
Our tradition teaches us that Rabbi Akiva’s students failed to show proper respect toward one another, and as a result, the death of Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students occurred. The mourning customs of Sfirat HaOmer that we are observing now remind us how essential it is to treat every person with dignity and respect.
Further, both Rabbi Akiva and his student Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai lived in times of hardship and danger during the time of the Romans. Yet instead of giving up, they chose to stand strong, keep learning, and continue teaching Torah. When Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai(a student of Rabbi Akiva) was forced to hide in a cave for many years, he used that time to grow spiritually and eventually shared deep wisdom with the world. Rashbi, like his teacher, was fearless in standing up for truth. He openly criticized Roman rule, which led to him being forced to flee for his life—just as Rabbi Akiva was arrested and killed for teaching Torah. Rabbi Akiva taught that love, perseverance, and Torah must be the foundation of Jewish life—even in dark times.
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai lived that message, deepening it with mystical fire, and asked that Lag BaOmer be a day of joy, spiritual unity, and inner light.
Lag B’Omer is traditionally celebrated with bonfires, symbolizing the light of Torah and the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. He taught that beneath the surface of everyday life is deep meaning and beauty waiting to be discovered.
As students, teachers, and families, we can each be a source of light by spreading kindness, standing up for what is right, and learning something new every day.
Haya Epstein
