Know the Law

15 Iyyar 5778
30 Days of the Omer

Learn the difference between a mitzvah and a minhag. It's especially important because the more recent the origin of the minhag, the more questionable it becomes.

Hagaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef: There Is No Mitzva To Travel To Meron On Lag B’Omer

Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef Shlita during his motzei Shabbos shiur mentioned Lag B’Omer, stating there is no mitzva to travel to the tziyun of the Rashbi, an announcement he makes annually.

The rav cited the travels involved in making the trip results in a great deal of bitul Torah, and therefore, one should continue with one’s regular learning schedule.

The rav added HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L continued his limud as was the case in Yeshivat Porat Yosef, as back then, the masses did not travel to Meron on Lag B’Omer.

The rav advises those who are having a chalaka (upsherin) can take a break and do so at the tziyun of Shimon HaTzaddik or Shmuel HaNavi, in Yerushalayim.