page_title: Shimon bar Yochai
section_title: Chai rotel
hierarchical_section_title: Shimon bar Yochai / Yahrzeit / Yahrzeit customs at the tomb / Chai rotel
caption_attribution_description: Mark of the grave of Rabbi Eliezer Ben Rabbi Shimon, son of Rabbi Shimeon Bar Yochai, author of the Zohar
context_page_description: Shimon bar Yochai, also known by his acronym Rashbi, was a 2nd-century tannaitic sage in ancient Judea, said to be active after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. He was one of the most eminent disciples of Rabbi Akiva, and attributed by many Orthodox Jews with the authorship of the Zohar, the chief work of Kabbalah.
  In addition, the important legal works called Sifre and Mekhilta are attributed to him. In the Mishnah, in which he is the fourth-most mentioned sage, he is referred to as simply "Rabbi Shimon". In the baraita, midrash and gemara his name occurs either as R. Shimon or as R. Shimon ben Yochai.
  According to popular legend, he and his son, Eleazar b. Simeon, were noted kabbalists. Both figures are held in unique reverence by kabbalistic tradition. By tradition they were buried in the same tomb in Meron, Israel, which is visited by thousands year round.
context_section_description: Another custom at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai is the giving of Ḥai Rotel (Hebrew: ח״י רוטל‎). The Hebrew letters chet and yod are the gematria (numerical equivalent) of 18. Rotel is a liquid measure of about 3 litres. Thus, 18 rotels equals 54 litres or about 13 gallons. It is popularly believed that if one donates or offers 18 rotels of liquid refreshment (grape juice, wine, soda or even water) to those attending the celebrations at bar Yochai's tomb on Lag BaOmer, then the giver will be granted miraculous salvation.
  According to Taamei Minhagim, many childless couples found success with this segula (propitious practice). This practice was also endorsed by Rabbi Ovadia miBartenura and The Shelah HaKadosh. The Bobover Rav, Ben Zion Halberstam sent a letter from Poland to his Chassidim in Israel asking them to donate chai rotel in Meron on this holy day on behalf of a couple that did not have children. Several local organizations solicit donations of chai rotel and hand out the drinks on the donor's behalf in Meron on Lag BaOmer. Nine months after Lag BaOmer, the Ohel Rashbi organization even invites couples who prayed at the tomb and had a child to come back to Meron to celebrate the births.
caption: Mark (behind blue fence) over cave in which Rabbi Ele'azar bar Shim'on is buried. This main hall is divided in half in order to separate between men and women.
exif: {}