As Lag BaOmer approaches against the backdrop of heightened security concerns, many seeking to be at the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai are turning to rabbanim for guidance on whether to travel to Meron despite potential road closures.

A Jew from the United States posed the question to Rav Yaakov Meir Schechter, asking whether one must go to great lengths to reach Meron if access routes are blocked. “Should one sacrifice himself to travel or not?” he asked.

Rav Schechter responded clearly: “There is no need for mesirus nefesh (sacrifice oneself).”

The questioner then pressed further, asking whether it would be worthwhile to attempt reaching Meron through alternate routes, such as traveling through the mountains from the direction of Tzefas.

Rav Schechter replied, “If there is a normal way, then travel; if it works, it works, and if not, then not. One can accomplish things from a distance as well.”

{Matzav.com}