The passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai Rabbi Aba said, the holy luminary, has barely finished uttering the word life, when his words trailed off. I was writing and was prepared to write further but heard nothing. I have not raised my head because the light was strong, and I could not see. As I shuddered, I heard a resounding voice saying, “length of days and long life” (Mishlei 3:3) and then I heard another voice, “He asked life of you…” (Tehillim 21:5).
Throughout that day, fire did not cease from the house, and none could enter it because they could not for the light and fire encircling it. All that day I was prostrate on the floor, crying. When the fire was gone, I saw the holy luminary, Holy of Holies; he passed away from the world, covered and lying on his right side, his face smiling.