What is Chai Rotel?
Chai Rotel is a popular segulah, or spiritual practice, which is literally defined as the amount of 54 liters of a liquid drink donated annually to the hundreds of thousands of thirsty Jews who gather on the holy day of Lag BaOmer to pray at the tomb of the great sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
A rotel is a liquid measurement of approximately three liters. Using the alphanumeric system known as gematria to assign Hebrew letters numerical equivalences, the letters “Chet” and “Yud”, which together compose the Hebrew word “Chai” (meaning life), amounts to 18.
Thus, the widespread practice of Chai Rotel is based on the measurement of one rotel multiplied 18 times to symbolize life, ultimately resulting in 54 liters or 12-15 gallons of a liquid drink. Note that Lag BaOmer also occurs on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. The gematria of “life” is a recurring motif in giving Chai Rotel specifically on Lag BaOmer – a metaphorically significant way of connecting to G-d through both physical action and spiritual thought.
Chai Rotel has been encouraged by the great Jewish leaders Rabbi Ovadia MeBartenura, the Shelah HaKadosh, and the Bobover Rebbe, the latter of which sent a letter from Poland to his Chassidim in Israel beseeching them to donate Chai Rotel in Meron on the day of Lag BaOmer on behalf of a couple that desperately wanted children and did not have any yet.
There are countless first-hand stories of those who have taken part in this custom and seen G-d’s miraculous powers as an effect of Chai Rotel Mashke. From singles finding their life partners after long searching for them to childless couples blessed with children and ailing individuals who had been told by doctors to give up hope only to make a full recovery, tens of thousands have merited salvation from this segulah.
Judaism’s heavy emphasis on good deeds, prayer, and charity are all beautifully enwrapped in the practice of Chai Rotel, indicating why it has proven to be so impactful. Donating sustenance to the thirsty travelers who have gathered for a holy and special occasion while simultaneously praying to G-d with great intention is a combined reflection of some of the Torah’s greatest values.
How Can You Participate?
Tefilot Israel is determined to make the segulah of Chai Rotel on Lag BaOmer accessible to everyone, especially to those who cannot take part in it directly themselves. This Lag BaOmer, our Torah scholars will purchase and distribute the Chai Rotel Mashke on your behalf at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron. With more than half a million visitors on his yahrzeit (the anniversary of his death) alone, your contribution will undoubtedly be graciously accepted and appreciated by the multitude of exhausted travelers who have congregated to commemorate and pray together at this special time.
Additionally, Tefilot Israel’s Torah scholars will light a candle near Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s tomb and recite a prayer and private personal request in your honor with the utmost respect, consideration, and authenticity. Your physical absence in Meron does not have to mean that you can’t take part in the segulah of Chai Rotel at the spiritual gathering on Lag BaOmer. It is our great honor and privilege to help you participate from afar.
The Source of the Chai Rotel Tradition
The miraculous segulah of distributing Chai Rotel Mashke to the masses who come to pray and rejoice at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on Lag BaOmer is based on ancient tradition and is mentioned in several holy seforim (Jewish texts).
Among them is the Ta’amei HaMinhagim, a work detailing the origins and meanings behind Jewish customs, which states on Page 263 that:
“It is a Kabbalah amongst the people of the Holy Land that it is a segulah for childless couples (G-d forbid) to donate Chai Rotel Mashke at the tziyun of the tannah ha’ Eloki Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (may his merit protect us) and he will deliver them their yeshua, shortly.”
Furthermore, it is mentioned in a letter from the Bobover Rebbe, zt”l, in which he wrote to his disciples about this miraculous segulah, attributing its source to Rabbeinu Ovadya MeBartenura, the greatest commentator of the Mishnah.
Additional sources for Chai Rotel can be found in many other sources, including the Tal Yerushalayim for example.