Chai Rotel at Meron — The Segulah for Salvation on Lag BaOmer 5786
A Custom of Generations
For centuries, Jews around the world have participated in one of the most powerful customs of Lag BaOmer: the Chai Rotel at the holy tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi) in Meron.
The name itself reveals its secret. Chai (חי) is the gematria of eighteen. Rotel is an ancient liquid measure of about three liters. Together — eighteen rotel, roughly fifty-four liters of wine, grape juice, or other beverages — distributed freely to the thousands who flock to the Rashbi's resting place on the holiest night of his year.
The tradition is ancient and the testimonies are countless. The Ta'amei HaMinhagim records that childless couples who pledged Chai Rotel at Meron were granted children. The Bobover Rebbe, Rabbi Ben Zion Halberstam zy"a, sent a letter from Poland to his chassidim in Eretz Yisrael asking them to distribute Chai Rotel in Meron on behalf of a couple who had no children — and they were answered. Generations of Gedolei Yisrael have testified to the power of this segulah for health, livelihood, shidduchim, children, and every kind of salvation.
Moreinu HaRav shlita and the Sacred Fire of Meron
For decades, Moreinu HaRav Eliezer Berland shlita has poured out his soul in honor of the Rashbi on Lag BaOmer. Thousands of his students, chassidim, and friends of Shuvu Banim travel to Meron each year — by foot and by every possible means — to merit standing beside their Rebbe at the central bonfire and to receive of the awesome holiness of this night.
This year, Lag BaOmer 5786 (Monday night into Tuesday, the night of 18 Iyar / May 4–5, 2026), with Hashem's help, we will once again merit to be with Moreinu HaRav shlita at the Rashbi's tziun. Travel this year will be by public transportation only, subject to government approval — we recommend planning your route well in advance.
Should Meron be closed this year by the authorities due to security concerns, the bonfire lighting and the simcha will be held instead in the holy city of Jerusalem — and the segulah of Chai Rotel applies in full measure there as well, for the kedushah of the Rashbi extends to every place where his joy is honored.
And you can be there too — in spirit, in name, and in merit.
What Your Donation Makes Possible
When you give Chai Rotel, you are not standing alone. You are partnering with thousands:
- Chai Rotel distributed to the masses — wine, grape juice, cold water, and refreshment for every Jew who comes to honor the Rashbi.
- Event logistics and operations — the substantial costs of producing this great evening.
- The central bonfire lighting of Moreinu HaRav shlita begins at 3:30 AM, with niggunim and tefillah b'tzibbur, and the event continues until after Shacharit.
Every cup poured. Every traveler welcomed. Every name carried before the Rashbi. Your share in this is real, and it is recorded above.
Names for the Rashbi
Every name submitted before Lag BaOmer is read aloud by our shluchim during the distribution of Chai Rotel at the Rashbi's tziun, and included in the prayers of Moreinu HaRav shlita at the moment of the bonfire lighting.
This is an eit ratzon — a moment of supreme heavenly favor — when the gates of heaven are open wide and no sincere prayer returns empty.
"There is no greater hour in all the year than the night of Lag BaOmer at Meron. Whoever asks there — his prayer is received before the Creator of the world." — Moreinu HaRav shlita
Join the Segulah Now
Lag BaOmer is days away. Don't let this opportunity pass. Submit your names, share in the merit of the masses who will fill Meron, and stand together with Moreinu HaRav shlita at the holiest fire of the year.
➤ Donate Chai Rotel for Lag BaOmer 5786
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The merit of the holy Rashbi should stand for you and your family in every good thing — bnei chayei u'mzonei, refuah, parnassah, shidduchim, and yeshuot — amen.