The Mystery of the Idra Tree: A Tale of History and Miracles
Visitors to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's tomb encounter a small display case holding a piece of an ancient olive tree labeled "Idra Tree." What's the story behind it, and how does it connect to Rabbi Shimon's mystical Idra?
- יהוסף יעבץ
- פורסם י"א אייר התשפ"ד
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The "Idra Rabba" was a special gathering held by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai shortly before his passing, detailed extensively in the sacred Zohar.
Visitors to Rabbi Shimon's burial site will find a small display case containing a piece of an ancient olive tree with an inscription reading "Idra Tree." Where did this piece of wood come from, and how is it linked to Rabbi Shimon's Idra?
Many years ago, the esteemed kabbalist known as the Ari revealed the location of the Idra where Rabbi Shimon disclosed the Torah's secrets to his disciples. Rabbi Chaim Vital described in detail how to reach this place, where the Idra once took place. Today, this location can be found along the road between Safed and Meron, near the Idra Cave.
Next to the Idra Cave stood a marvelous, ancient olive tree, whose age was beyond estimation. Its trunk was so vast that four people could not encircle it, and for reasons unknown, the local Arabs called it the "Roman Tree." After the establishment of the State of Israel, special workers planted trees in the area which is now the lush and green Meron Forest, but back then, the region was barren. After their work, laborers would gather to eat in the shade of this ancient tree.
One day in the month of Iyar, about fifty years ago, local Arabs devised a sinister plan. They placed a large explosive device between the cracks of this ancient tree, timing it to detonate during the workers' lunch break. Miraculously, on that very day, the workers were called away to prepare the area around Rabbi Shimon's tomb for the upcoming celebration. The tree exploded with great noise, heard even at the tomb site, but by the grace of Heaven, no one was harmed.
A beloved Jew named Rabbi Herschel Shamesh, one of the elders of Safed, took the initiative to preserve the small remnant of this tree, which during its life provided shade to many Jews and in its destruction saved many from death. He brought this remnant to Rabbi Shimon's tomb as an eternal memorial.
