structural:expansion, quality:correction
In Zionism and modern Israel

In modern Israeli culture, the Bar Kokhba revolt was recast into a national symbol of Jewish heroism. The Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer was reinterpreted within secular Zionist tradition to commemorate Bar Kokhba's successes in the revolt, replacing earlier associations with Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai and introducing customs like bonfire lighting and playing with bows and arrows. A popular legend portraying Bar Kokhba taming a lion in a Roman arena—first introduced in a 1905 novel by Israel Benjamin Levner and later adapted into a popular children's song by Levin Kipnis —became a fixture of Lag baOmer celebrations, featured in school programs and holiday festivities.