Come Join the Parade!

This coming Sunday, May 2nd, will be the festive day known as Lag b'Omer—the 33rd day of the "Counting of the Omer." It is the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the second-century author of the central work of Jewish mysticism, the Zohar. (For more information about Rabbi Shimon and this special day, click here.)

The age-old traditions of this day include lighting large bonfires at night – symbolizing the passion and light that Rabbi Shimon brought into the world with his mystical teachings – and taking children on outings to the fields and forests. More recently, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, encouraged all Jews to hit the streets too, with large-scale Lag b'Omer parades, exuberant displays of Jewish unity and pride.

Children especially love to march in the streets, sometimes in uniform, holding banners, or singing. They are learning the value of publicly affirming our faith—and unbeknownst to them, warming the hearts of passersby with their guileless display of living and committed Judaism.

Do you or your kids want to join the fun? Click here to find a barbecue, parade, carnival or other Lag b'Omer event near you.