The Jewish centre of Kazakhstan "Chabad Lubavitch" conducted celebration of Lag-ba-Omer - day of memory living in II century AD of wise man Rabbi Shimon bar Yokhaya, author of one of main cabbalistical books "Zohar". The holiday began from a solemn pray on a tomb of the father of Lubavitchesky Rebe Rabbi Levi Itzhac Shneerson, which name carries Central Synagogue of Kazakhstan. Then the participants of celebration returned to a building of synagogue, where the traditional large fire was lit. For children and adults waited various attractions and celebratory entertainment. The members of a community were congratulated on a holiday by main rabbi of Kazakhstan Yeshayah Cogan and ambassador of the State Israel in RK Ran Ishay.

Lag-ba-Omer is celebrated between two important in the Jewish calendar holidays - Pesach and Shavuot, 49 days separating them are considered mourning. In this period all schoolboys of a wise man of Rabbi Akiva, except for Rabbi Shimon bar Yokhaya died of epidemic of a plague. He died some years later, on 33-rd day after Pesach. The day of death of just is considered at the Jews as joyful day, because the terrestrial mission Shimon bar Yokhaya is completely executed. Just r. Shimon bar Yokhaya bequeathed to be pleased and to have fun on day of his death, and the Jews carry out his will already almost for two thousand years.

This day the Jewish people revere the memory of Rabbi Shimon also asks the Most High, that his merits have helped all Israel. In Lag-ba-Omer it is accepted to arrange parades, wedding to sing to dance to light fires - to be joyful and cheerful. In independent Kazakhstan Lag-ba-Omer was for the first time celebrated thirteen years ago, when Rabbi Yeshayah Cogan arrived here. In his opinion, due to an atmosphere, existing in Kazakhstan, of mutual understanding and mutual respect, the Jews of the country have an opportunity to mark Lag-ba-Omer according to Traditions, without fear for themselves and life of children.

Daniyar Sikhimbayev