Meron

 

The Ancient Synagogue of Meron

The Meron synagogue built in the last decade of the 3rd century CE survived the earthquake of 306 CE, and was destroyed by another earthquake in 409 CE. It is one of the largest ancient synagogues in Israel. Using basilica style with a large room with eight columns on each side leading to the facade and a three-doored entrance framed by a columned portico.

Even ancient synagogues have politics. Compare the low lever of restoration of the Ancient Synagogue of Meron with the Ancient Synagogue of Baram. Ask you your tour guide if he has an answer.

 

Rashbi’s Grave

The Tomb of Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron is the second most popular Jewish religious site in Israel after the Western Wall. Every year hundreds of thousands of believers come to camp out near the site and celebrate a Lag B’Omer Hillula and give their three year old sons a first haircut (upsherin).  Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was a Rabbi in the Mishna period during the first-century C.E. and is attributed to be the author of the mystic, kabbalistic book of Zohar.

The Forgotten Burial Cave of Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Shamai

Saints also have politics. According to tradition these two famous Rabbis were also buried nearby. However, their memory has been side tracked so as not to interfere with the mystical believers of Rashbi.

 

Modern Tasteless Additions

You can understand my feelings according to the title above. Private “religious” interests control Rashbi’s Grave for their own profit and no aesthetic values. Perhaps it would be better if the Ministry of Religions would nationalize the site and organize it.