Abstract:

The article presents the life and legacy of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, one of the most important figures in Judaism. Living in the 2nd century CE, during a period of intense Roman persecution, he was forced to hide in a cave for thirteen years with his son, Rabbi Eleazar, to escape the Romans who wanted to put him to death.

During his stay in the cave, he studied the Torah and received teachings from the prophet Elijah. After emerging, he underwent a profound spiritual transformation, moving from a strictly contemplative vision to a more concrete engagement in community life. He founded a yeshiva in Tekoa and became one of the greatest teachers of his time.

Tradition attributes to him the authorship of the Zohar, the major work of Jewish mysticism. His death is celebrated as a moment of intense joy (Hilloula) during the festival of Lag Ba'omer, the 33rd day of the Omer. According to tradition, on the day of his death, he revealed to his disciples the deepest secrets of the Torah, surrounded by mystical flames.

Even today, thousands of people gather each year in Meron, his burial place, to celebrate his memory by lighting bonfires and dancing, thus perpetuating the tradition of one who is considered a "column of light" connecting the earthly world to the heavenly world.