Lag Ba'omer

Why is the mourning period for the students of R. Akiva, so much more halachically serious than similar tragedies, in Jewish history? The class deals with the historic background of the time, as seen in the sources and archeology, which explicitly prove that the tannaim, R. Akiva's students, learned in a "Hesder" Yeshiva, combining Torah study with army service. They didn't wait passively for the redemption, but actively tried bringing it in the religious-Zionist way, which in their time was premature, but nevertheless serves as the Rambam's precedent for the future geula. Many other "innocent" sources in the Talmud are explained here, on the backdrop of the historic events of their time, and show that the Omer period mourns the fall of the 3rd State of Israel, a true national tragedy.

The accepted way of marking the death of a righteous person is by fasting. How then is it that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's expiration has become occasion for joy and festivity?

The reasons for the festival and the customs of Lag Ba'omer. The greatness and the war of Rabbi Akiva. Practical kabbalah and the glory of Israel.

We must draw inner strength from the pearls of the hidden wisdom of the Torah

It is important, in preparation for this day, to familiarize ourselves with his doctrine and his approach to study.

"Why is R' Yehuda everywhere referred to as the head speaker?

Rav Tzvi Yehuda would say that Rabbi Shimon - Rabbi Akiva's student - most strongly symbolized the continuation of Rabbi Akiva.

If one mentions, before counting omer, that “Tonight is Lag Ba’omer”, can he subsequently count with a beracha?