Lag BaOmer calls for reflection and spiritual growth

This Sunday, some in the Jewish community here in Cincinnati and around the world will celebrate Lag BaOmer, a joyous and festive occasion. It is not biblically commanded but is a result of Kabbalistic interpretations of the Torah, the mystic traditions of the Zohar.

After 3400 years in Egypt the waters of the Red Sea cleansed the Israelites as they fled from bondage and began a 49-day journey of spiritual growth and refinement that prepared them to receive the Torah.

The spiritual significance of this journey is that the Israelites moved from the lowest point spiritually when they departed from Egypt to the highest point when they received the Torah. This spiritual growth and refinement was not a one-time experience. It is to be repeated every year from the first day of Passover on 15th Nissan to the 6th of Sivan, The Festival of Weeks or Shavuot.

As diverse as Cincinnati is (it is one of its strongest assets), spirituality binds the community together. Indeed spiritual growth and expression in one ethnic group can have a positive impact in the spiritual growth of another.

Ahavat Yisrael, for example, or love for one another, which is one of the lessons of Lag BaOmer, is a universal virtue, which connects all faiths and traditions. Another example from Lag BaOmer and embraced by most faith systems is the setting of high goals of spiritual growth and striving to attain them.

It is therefore fitting that the whole community in Cincinnati, while embracing its diversity, can reflect on spiritual growth on this Lag BaOmer festival. Each segment of the community can also seek to hear the voice of its scriptures speaking to it afresh each day. For the Kabbalists, the Torah is received on every Lag BaOmer.