Lag B'Omer: 45 Ways to Honor the Souls of Meron

As Lag B'Omer approaches, thousands prepare to gather in Meron once again. Alongside the joy, the singing, and the light, there is also memory.

In recent years, this day has taken on an added layer of meaning. It is not only a celebration, but also a moment to reflect, to remember, and to ask a deeper question. How do we truly honor those who are no longer with us?

What It Means to Remember

King Solomon teaches, “The living should take it to heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2).

The Lubavitcher Rebbe explained that this is not just a statement, but a guide. The way to cope with loss is not only through memory, but through action. By adopting the qualities of those who have passed, we allow their presence to continue in this world.

Our purpose is to live with meaning, to leave behind a legacy of Torah, mitzvot, and good deeds. When we take on even one small trait from someone who is no longer here, we ensure that their impact does not fade.

Turning Memory Into Action

Following the Meron tragedy, families shared stories about their loved ones, highlighting the traits that defined them.

Each person lived a life rich with many virtues, but even one defining quality can guide us. Here are the 45 traits, each connected to a life that continues to inspire:

1. Moshe Simcha Tzarafati – Gratitude and appreciation for Hashem and others
2. Ariel Tzadik – Encouraging others in spiritual growth and unity
3. Elazar Gafner – Visiting and uplifting the sick
4. Chanokh Slod – Integrity in business and avoiding conflict over money
5. Shmuel Tzvi Klegszbleed – Prioritizing spirituality over material needs
6. Doron Chen – Patience in raising and teaching children
7. Elazar Mordechai Goldberg – Performing mitzvot with love and intention
8. Natan’el Shimon Matlon – A joyful outlook that uplifted others
9. Shraga Eliyahu Gshtetner – Dedication to Torah despite challenges
10. David Kroys – Diligence and consistency in Torah study
11. Yonatan Yosef Hebroni – Bringing people together across communities
12. Elkana Shila – Promoting peace and compromise
13. Yehuda Leib Rubin – Greeting every person warmly
14. Eliezer Tzvi Yuzev – Devotion to helping others through charity
15. Moshe Bergman – Care and precision in financial honesty
16. Simcha Bunim Diskind – Deep respect and care for parents
17. Chaim Ozer Saller – Guarding speech and avoiding negativity
18. Menachem Asher Zakbach – Beautifying mitzvot with care
19. Mordechai Yoel Peketa – Supporting Torah scholars with kindness
20. Yisrael Enkawa – Living with humility
21. Yosef Greenbaum – Creating belonging and unity among Jews
22. Yedidya Asher Fogel – Determination in Torah and kindness
23. Pinchas Menachem Knopfelmacher – Protecting the vulnerable
24. Moshe Ben Shalom – Lifting others with sincere kindness
25. Ariel Achdut – Sensitivity to others’ emotional and physical needs
26. Yosef Yitzchak Kahn – Deep love for every Jew
27. Yissachar Dov Berish Steinmetz – Generosity with an open heart
28. Daniel Avraham Ambon – Care to avoid causing discomfort
29. Yaakov Elchanan Starkovsky – Readiness to help wherever needed
30. Chaim Raak – Quiet and modest acts of kindness
31. Nachman Daniel Morris – Warmth and genuine care for others
32. Menachem Yosef Amram Tauber – Consistency in Torah learning
33. Shlomo Zalman Leibowitz – Promptness in mitzvot and Torah
34. Yosef Mastriv – Pursuing peace actively
35. Yosef Yehuda Levi – Simplicity, humility, and seriousness
36. Yishai Moalem – Respect for Torah scholars
37. Eliyahu Shmuel Cohen – Encouraging others to learn Torah
38. Nachman Kirschbaum – A forgiving and generous spirit
39. Moshe Levi – Gentle conduct with awareness of Hashem
40. Yedidya Moshe Chayot – Warm hospitality and encouragement
41. Elazar Yitzchak Kaltei – Connecting to righteous role models
42. Yosef David Elhaddad – Bringing others closer to Torah
43. Moshe Mordechai Elhaddad – Bringing joy to others
44. Moshe Natan Nota Engelard – Deep and heartfelt prayer
45. Yehoshua Engelard – Dedication to Torah learning from early hours

Each of these is not just a memory. It is an invitation.

A Living Legacy

When we choose to take on even one of these qualities, something powerful happens. Memory becomes action. Loss becomes growth.

This is how a life continues to shine.

As Lag B'Omer arrives, the question is not only how we remember, but how we respond. What will we take with us? Which trait will we choose to carry forward?

Looking Ahead

May we be inspired to grow in love for one another, in dedication to Torah, and in awareness of Hashem.

And through that growth, may we honor the holy souls of Meron in the most meaningful way possible, by living the values they lived and ensuring that their light continues to guide us forward.