A clear distinction became evident between Jews and Israelis in the way the day was celebrated: The religious Jews lit torches in Rashbi's [Shimon bar Yochai's] honor and sang songs about him, while young Israelis, sitting around an alternative bonfire, sang about a hero "whom the entire nation loved" and focused on the image of a powerful hero who galloped on a lion in his charges against the Romans. In modern Israel, Lag BaOmer is "a symbol for the fighting Jewish spirit". The Palmach division of the Haganah was established on Lag BaOmer 1941, and the government order creating the Israel Defense Forces was issued on Lag BaOmer 1948. Beginning in 2004, the Israeli government designated Lag BaOmer as the day for saluting the IDF reserves. See also Hebrew numerals Jewish and Israeli holidays 2000–2050 Sephirot, the 10 attributes/emanations found in Kabbalah. Significance of numbers in Judaism Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai References Sources External links Lag BaOmer articles on aish.com Chai Rotel in Meron Lag BaOmer articles on chabad.org Video clip of the Lubavitcher Rebbe participating in a Lag BaOmer parade in 1960 Jewish Encyclopedia article on Lag BaOmer Lag B'omer Parade The Great Parade Lag BaOmer History and Customs on Shulchanaruchharav.com Fire in religion Hebrew names of Jewish holy days Iyar observances Jews and Judaism in the Roman Empire Minor Jewish holidays Traditions involving fire