From a kabbalistic perspective, our purpose on earth is unique. Everything, the mystical tradition teaches us, has within it a divine spark, and it is our job to elevate it. We do this when we use the materials of the physical world for a blessing. When we say a blessing of thanks before eating, use our phones to call someone who is ill, or sit around our tables for Shabbat dinner, we elevate the sparks of holiness hidden in these items.

Enter the holiday of Lag B’omer, which we mark today! The Omer is a count of 49 days between Passover and Shavuot, and Lag B’omer is the 33rd day. This day marks the death of the Rabbi mystic and author of the Zohar, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. The Zohar, the foundational work of kabbalah, holds secrets to raising up these sparks, to connecting this physical world with that greater light that is the essence of all creation.

The observance of this holiday is unlike any other. There is no candle lighting, special synagogue service, or mitzvah for this holiday. Rather, it is marked by lighting a huge bonfire. Why? The bigger the fire, the greater number of sparks. The bonfire represents the potential of our soul. In Proverbs we read, “The flame of God is the soul of man.” When our soul is fed, that flame can grow, and when it does it can uncover more and more of the hidden light within creation. When one sees a roaring fire, we are reminded of our soul’s potential: a small flame that can grow if given the right kindling and fuel. When thousands of sparks ascend from this fire, we are reminded of our soul’s purpose: to uncover and elevate the holiness within all creation.