On the 33rd day of the Omer, prayers of mourning are not recited, weddings can finally be held and school children throughout Israel head out to the forests for class trips and enjoyable hikes. In every part of the country there will be festivals, music and bonfires.

A visit to the northern city of Meron is certainly a worthwhile adventure. There, on Lag Ba Omer, one can see the “hillulah” of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Hundreds of thousands of people converge on the mountain where the great Tanna is buried, to sing, dance and study Torah. Many light torches that can be seen from great distances and thousands of three-year old children get their first haircuts on this day.

In normal times, the appearance of magnificent bonfires is a welcome sight. But this year, exposure to even the smallest of fires will have an unsettling effect. Over the past few weeks, the State of Israel tragically endured some of the worst wildfires in its history.

Fires on Lag B’Omer are intended to arouse feelings of awe and spirituality. After all, fire is not something that can be touched. Flames rise upward. They represent warmth, elevation and holiness. As a People we respect and revere our precious Torah. Similarly, we hold in high esteem, scholars who affectionately transmit the teachings of our sacred heritage.

On Lag B’Omer, we are reminded that fire is a source of inspiration and blessing. But this year we remember that when handled incorrectly, fire can be a cause of tremendous loss and destruction.

The Prophet Hoshea (14:10) alludes to this: “Who is wise and understands these things? Those who are astute recognize the straightness of the ways of G-d. The righteous and knowledgeable care to walk in the straight path of the Torah, while the wicked (who seek to twist its words) will stumble and fall.”

This year, as we put on our hiking boots and gear up for the beautiful outdoors holiday of Lag B’Omer, let us take a moment to reflect on the luminous bonfires and take to heart their deeper lessons.