Rabbi Meir Bal Hanes was a fourth generation Tana and one of the most respected Jewish Sages during the time of the Mishnah (139-163). Rabbi Meir served as one of the main leaders in Israel during the generation following the Bar Kochba rebellion. He is buried in the outskirts of Tiberias, near the shores of the Kinneret. Rebbe Meir Baal Haness has a reputation of being a miracle worker even after his death. Many people have achieved salvation after a pilgrimage to his tomb or by offering a prayer and charity in his merit.

Hillulah of Rebbe Meir Men praying by Hillula.Exact date of Rabbi Meir's Yortzite is unknown and is not mentioned in any text. Local Sephardic tradition places his Hillulah on the 14th Iyyar, Pesach Shani. There are those that want to trace this tradition back to the Chanukas Habayis of the original building that took place on Peasch Shani and was accepted by the masses as an annual celebration in honor of Rabbi Meir. This is the same date that was accepted for the Hillulah of Rabbi Yehuda bar Ilai.There is also a custom brought down to light a candle for Rabbi Meir on the first day of Teves.;