Day of Hilula
Rabbi Meir
י״ד באייר
Asia Minor
In Jewish tradition, the day of a tzadik's passing — the 'Hilula' — is not a day of mourning, but a day of spiritual elevation and awakening. According to the teachings of Kabbalah, on this day the soul of the tzadik ascends to a higher realm, and their light and merits shine upon the world. Many Jews mark the day through Torah study, reciting Tehillim, lighting a memorial candle, and good deeds for the elevation of the soul — to connect with the tzadik's path and qualities.
His Life and Legacy
Rabbi Meir was one of the foremost disciples of Rabbi Akiva, a distinguished sage and scribe. His wife, Beruriah, was herself a woman of exceptional wisdom. He came to be known as Baal HaNes on account of the miracle associated with him.
"One who studies Torah not for its own sake—it would have been better had he not been created."