The Power of Rebbe Shimon

The first 32 days of the Omer obligate us to curtail joy and joyous occasions. Then comes the 33rd day, 18 Iyar, the anniversary (yahrtzeit) of Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai's departure from the physical world. Everything turns completely around with singing, dancing, rejoicing and festive meals. What's behind all this? Today's podcast comes from a talk that Rabbi Lazer gave at a Lag B'omer celebration at the Briarwood Synagogue in Queens, NY earlier this week.