Jerusalem - Hundreds of thousands of Israelis lit massive bonfires on Wednesday evening to celebrate the holiday of Lag Ba’omer, including a huge pilgrimage at the grave of an ancient Jewish mystic on Mount Meron in the Galilee region.

Lag Ba’omer marks the 33rd day of the seven week period between Passover and the Festival of Weeks, the day on which Rabbi Simeon Bar Yochai is said to have died nearly two millennia ago.

The sage stands out among his Talmudic peers for his association with the Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism. Fittingly, his grave is located near the city of Safed, which is historically a capital for Kabbalistic studies.

Many tens of thousands flock to Bar Yochai’s grave each year on the holiday – which Rabbi Bar Yochai himself supposedly declared a joyous day – as bonfires are kindled across the country commemorating the saintly spirit.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boys stand on a pile of wood to be burnt later as part of celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boys stand on a pile of wood to be burnt later as part of celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba’Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy prays by a bonfire as he celebrates the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy prays by a bonfire as he celebrates the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba’Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

Jewish boys dance near a bonfire as they celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer in Jerusalem, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)Jewish boys dance near a bonfire as they celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba’Omer in Jerusalem, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

Jewish boys dance near a bonfire as they celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer in Jerusalem, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)Jewish boys dance near a bonfire as they celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba’Omer in Jerusalem, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy looks at a bonfire as he celebrates the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy looks at a bonfire as he celebrates the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba’Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish girls look through a window at a bonfire during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba-Omer in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)Ultra-Orthodox Jewish girls look through a window at a bonfire during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba-Omer in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighbourhood May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy stands next to a bonfire during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba-Omer in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy stands next to a bonfire during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba-Omer in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighbourhood May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

Ultra-Orthodox Jews light a bonfire during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba-Omer in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)Ultra-Orthodox Jews light a bonfire during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba-Omer in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighbourhood May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

Ultra-Orthodox Jews stand next to a bonfire during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba-Omer in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)Ultra-Orthodox Jews stand next to a bonfire during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba-Omer in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighbourhood May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boys dance near a bonfire as they celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boys dance near a bonfire as they celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba’Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish woman walks with a stroller near a bonfire, as she celebrates the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish woman walks with a stroller near a bonfire, as she celebrates the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba’Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy stands around a bonfire as he celebrates the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy stands around a bonfire as he celebrates the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba’Omer in the city of Ashdod, Israel May 25, 2016.  (Credit: REUTERS)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)

Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)Jews seen near a big bonfire, during celebrations of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer in Jerusalem on May 25, 2016. Lag Baomer commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, one of the most important sages in Jewish history 1800 years ago. The most well-known custom of Lag BaOmer is the lighting of bonfires throughout Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. (Credit: Flash 90)