Dying To Celebrate
Lag B'Omer, a little-known Jewish celebration today
arrives in just one night and two more days
A bonfire is built, there's singing and dancing
What's there to celebrate on this holiday...
The great Rabbi Akiba had 24,005 pupils
all of whom died in 33 days, except the last five
Is it cause to rejoice that they finally stopped dying?
With only five left, you'd think we'd start crying!
The reason to remember this less-than-stellar occasion
is that old graybeard Akiva saved the whole Jewish nation
He never gave up; rather, he dug in his heels
With five students left, he doubled down on ideals
Teaching the Torah, his fiery enthusiasm renewed
Spreading God's Light, reigniting the Jews
_______________________________________________
Rabbi Akiva lived from 50 - 135 C.E. He taught Torah after
the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
His school was immense -- 24,005 pupils -- all of whom
died one year between the first and the 33rd day of Pass-
over, primarily on account of the sin of not showing their
fellow Torah scholars the honor and respect customarily
due them.
Copyright © Gershon Wolf | Year Posted 2023
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