The Legacy of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai

1. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was a student of Rabbi Akiva, the father-in-law of Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair, and the teacher of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, the editor of the Mishnah.

2. As a young man, Rabbi Shimon was among the scholars in Yavne. The Talmud tells how his question about the obligatory nature of the evening prayer led to a great upheaval, resulting in Rabban Gamliel dismissing Rabbi Yehoshua from the study hall.

3. Rabbi Shimon was a strong opponent of Roman rule in Israel. When the authorities found out, they sentenced him to death, forcing him to flee and hide in a cave for 13 years with his son Rabbi Elazar.

4. Inside the cave, several miracles occurred. A carob tree grew at its entrance, and a spring emerged nearby. From these, Rabbi Shimon and his son sustained themselves during their years in hiding.

5. While in the cave, Rabbi Shimon wrote the mystical Zohar. This book was passed down secretly for generations and appeared publicly around 700 years ago.

6. Rabbi Shimon's approach focused on the thoughts and inner intentions of a person, contrary to outward appearances. Thus, he exempted individuals from punishment in cases of unintentional actions in Shabbat, damages, and offerings. He saw inner intent as crucial in life, with many of his views and rulings reflecting this outlook.

7. A prominent disciple of Rabbi Akiva, who famously said, "Love your neighbor as yourself is a great rule in the Torah," Rabbi Shimon also emphasized ethics and interpersonal commandments. For example: "It is better for one to throw himself into a fiery furnace than to publicly shame another."

8. The liturgical poem 'Bar Yochai, You Are Anointed, Praised Are You' was written about Rabbi Shimon. It integrates his sayings and midrashic teachings, with one of the praises being, "Let us create man – was said for your sake."

9. In Meron, the site of Rabbi Shimon's tomb, a grand celebration called the 'Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai' takes place on Lag B'omer, the traditional day of his passing, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.

10. It is customary to bring three-year-old boys to Meron for their first haircutting ceremony, known as 'chalaka,' following the example of Rabbi Chaim Vital, a student of the Arizal, who recounted that his teacher did this for his son.