Shabbat Candle Lighting Times for Fairfield

Shabbat (candle lighting) begins at 8:06 p.m. on Friday, May 20. Shabbat ends (Havdalah begins) Saturday, 9:05 p.m. in Fairfield.

Bonfire on Lag BaOmer

Beth Shalom members and their friends are invited to a bonfire (actually, more of a campfire) on Sunday, May 22, weather permitting, at  Ben and Tara Winkler‘s, 1802 Iris Avenue.

A dessert potluck is planned.

This potluck and bonfire is from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Show up anytime in this period.  Bring your favorite dessert and, if you have them, musical instruments. No alcohol, please.

Directions to Winklers: about 4 miles north of town, in the country.

From Hwy 1 in Fairfield (northbound from Square) — go about 4 miles; Turn left on 185th Street (large Golden Gate building on your left); Continue down 185th Street about 2 miles (it becomes a gravel road after 1 and 1/2 miles), where in ends in a “T”.  This cross street is Iris Ave (also gravel); Turn right on Iris Ave., go about 1/4 mile and you’ve arrived!

Please park in the driveway, graveled lot, or on the side on Deerfield.  Please do not park on Iris Ave. (a public road) — this could cause a hazard.

The Winkler’s house, 1802 Iris Ave., is at the corner of Iris and Deerfield, yellow
with red trim and green roof.  The bonfire will be a few dozen yards south of the house.

If you would like to help plan this fun event, or have questions, contact Ben at HBWink@gmail.com, or 472-9575.

It is traditional to light bonfires on Lag BaOmer. These commemorate the immense light that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai introduced into the world via his mystical teachings. This was especially true on the day of his passing, Lag BaOmer, when he revealed to his disciples secrets of the Torah, whose profundity and intensity the world had yet to experience. The Zohar relates that the house was filled with fire and intense light, to the point that the assembled could not approach or even look at Rabbi Shimon.
By far, the largest Lag BaOmer celebration takes place in and around Rabbi Shimon’s tomb, located in the Northern Israeli village of Meron. Hundreds of thousands attend the festivities, and the round-the-clock celebration, singing and dancing are unparalleled.