UNITING A COMMUNITY

The annual Lag B'omer unity rally, parade and carnival attracted thousands of children from the entire Jewish community. creating excitement, fun and meaning for the entire family. 

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. Each child received a bag with refreshments as well as 18p to give to charity.

 Rabbi Levi Cohen, Director of JLI, emceed the event and enthralled the children with stories of of the famed Kabbalist and sage, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai who passed away on this day. He also shared Rabbi Akiva's message of Loving a fellow Jew which Lag B'omer marks the end of a disastrous plague which struck thousands of students of Rabbi Akiva caused by a lack of unity and respect.

“Watching all the children reciting the the Shema with such enthusiasm  was so beautiful - an indescribable feeling.” said Mrs. Caplan. Clowns, live music and a remarkable tight rope walker had the children smiling and singing, 15 lucky children were announced winners of the special prizes.

Following the rally, the crowd formed into a lively parade, as hundreds 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 lucky members of L’Chaim-Chabad’s Club Kef at King David.

A colourful float depicting the beauty and meaning of Shabbat highlighted the procession. “It was a most uplifting experience,” said Mr. Rose. 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 20 attractions kept the 3000 participants busy for hours on end, including rides, bouncy castles, carnival stalls, candy floss, snacks and music.  “This is the best by far.I am so happy we made it hear today!” said Mrs Wolf

The event was successful in large part thanks to the coordination and assistance from City Councillors George Wilson and Peter Connor, The CST Team and the participants from across the spectrum of the Jewish community. Special thanks go to the students and volunteers from Yeshivas Lubavitch Manchester, rabbi & Mrs Dubov, Mrs Chavi Odze, Mr. Dovid Eliyahu & Esti Simon, Rabbi Yoel Niasoff, Rabbi Doniel Paley, Mr. Shmuel Giffen & Mr. Gershon Glickman.

Thanks also goes to participating shuls & schools, to their staff and principals for their encouragement, help and cooperation, including Holy Law, Heaton Park, BJPS, BWJPS, KDJPS, NCJPS, OYY Boys, OYY Girls and 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.”