I found it very hard to say good bye to Israel this past week.

I wanted to pray at the Kotel one more time before going to the airport.

But how I can properly farewell our beloved land ?!

After I finished praying at the Kotel I noticed  a soldier, a hero of our nation, I asked him if we can pray together and put on Tefilin, before my long journey.
He agreed.
That was my farewell.

That moment, is similar to the message of Lag Bomer which we celebrate on Thursday night and Friday.

Lag B’omer is a festive day on the Jewish calendar, marking the anniversary of the passing of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar, whose teachings are said to bring light and joy, reflected in the bonfires and celebrations.

His lived a life of passion and fire, reminding us the need to exude excitement and feeling in our day to day life.

The daily tasks and chores can at times become monotonous and repetitive. This can lead to sluggishness and apathy to what is really important in life.

The need for enthusiasm and alacrity is paramount to lead a life of purpose.

The soldier I met was speaking with enthusiasm and confidence as we spoke about his sacred task and role.

When I shared how we consistently pray for the soldiers from our synagogue in Sydney Australia, it reminded him of the love and concern Jewish people throughout the world have for the soldiers and for each other.

This is one of the messages of Lag bomer, to strive to live with that love and enthusiasm.

Shabbat Shalom!