L’Chaim-Chabad hosted a day full of excitement, fun and meaning for the entire family. Thousands participated in the grand event which featured a unity rally, a parade celebrating Jewish pride and a funfair and carnival in the park.
Manchester’s Lag BaOmer event was celebrated in similar fashion to other rallies and parades around the world. Rabbi Yisroel Cohen, Director of L’Chaim-Chabad, explained that the festivities serve to unite the community and share the vital lessons of the day.
The festivities began with the unity rally at Beis Menachem JCC, where student representatives from the local schools led the crowd with words of Torah and prayer. Rabbi Chein, Director of Chabad of Cheadle, emceed the event and spoke of how Lag BaOmer
celebrates the life of the famed Kabbalist and sage, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai who passed away on the day. It also marks the end of a disastrous plague which struck thousands of students of Rabbi Akiva caused by a lack of unity and respect.
“Hearing all the children reciting the 12 verses together brought tears to my eyes,” said Mrs. Daniels. “That was so beautiful - an indescribable feeling.” Clowns, live music and a remarkable African Acrobats show had the children smiling and singing, and 6 lucky kids were announced winners of the special “treasure chest” prizes.
Following the rally, the crowd formed into a lively parade, as 1,000 people marched through Manchester streets heading to Clowes Park. The Parade celebrated Jewish pride, with hundreds of Jewish children waving banners proclaiming slogans like, “I’m Proud to be Jewish,” “I Love Kosher,” and more. The parade was led by the OYY Lubavitch Boy’s School Marching Band, and a stretch Limo carrying 15 lucky members of L’Chaim-Chabad’s Club Kef.
A colourful float depicting the opportunity and meaning for every child to own a letter in the Childrens’ Torah in Jerusalem highlighted the procession. “It was a most uplifting experience,” said Mr. Gerber. Having the entire, diverse community marching together as one - no matter the person’s background or affiliation - was just tremendous.”
The parade concluded at Clowes Park, where a carnival and funfair awaited the families. More than 30 attractions kept the 2,500 participants busy for hours on end, including rides, bouncy castles, carnival stalls, candy floss, snacks and music. Said Zev Shanny, “My wife, my kids and I really enjoyed all the activities. We didn’t want to go home!”
The event was successful in large part thanks to the coordination and assistance from City Councillors George Wilson and Peter Connor, Dave Robinson and Don Brown from the Salford City Council, The CST Team and the participants from across the spectrum of the Jewish community. Special thanks go to students and volunteers from the Lubavitch Yeshivah and the OYY Girls’ High, Mrs. Nechama Goodman, Mr. Dovid Eliyahu & Esti Simon, Rabbi Yoel Niasoff, Mr. Shmuel Giffen, Mr. Gershon Glickman and Mr Chaim Scherer from S&S Estates.
Thanks also goes to participating schools and their staff and principals for their encouragement, help and cooperation, including Rabbi Yehuda Pearlman of BJPS, Rabbi Bentzion Lewis of BWJPS, Mrs. Batya Landes of KDJPS, Mr. Michael Woolf of NCJPS, Rabbi Mendel Cohen of OYY Boys, Mrs. Sara Klyne of OYY Girls and Rabbi Y. Yodaiken of YHJS.
Rabbi Moshe Cohen, who coordinated the event said, “We are blessed to have such a community. Everyone came together with remarkable pride and unity, it was an honour to have been a part of such memorable occasion, which truly exhibited the unifying and joyful spirit of the day.”
Clich her to view the Lag BaOmer Funday photo gallery
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