200 Children Parade in Baka

by Noa Langer, Mayanot student and volunteer at the Lag B’omer parade

Lag B’Omer is filled with light, bonfires, and music. It’s a time to celebrate in memory of the Rashbi and the secrets of Torah he revealed, and to gather with friends and family.

In Baka, Jerusalem, the Chabad center spread the simcha of the holiday by having a community parade and carnival for the children in the area.

200 children joined in the event, and of course, their parents, as well!

Chabad of Baka directors, Rabbi Avraham and Dina Hendel, said that the goal was to give kids a fun way to celebrate and to personally get involved in the festivities.

The Lag B’omer event started in a large park, and gathered a crowd of children and parents. Armed with drums, hats, and music, they marched down the streets of Baka, waving flags announcing it was Lag B’omer and encouraging unity and mitzvoth. The professional drummers and large group of marchers drew the attention of passing cars and pedestrians. One woman excitedly threw candies from her window to the children below, calling out, “They’re badatz- the candies are kosher!”

Along the way, neighboring families joined in and continued on in the parade until the group arrived at a school playground decked with inflatable slides, bouncers, climbing walls and activities. Amidst all the fun, the children gathered around and listened to Rabbi Hendel speak about the importance of the day. One by one, children came up and read of the 12 pesukim, while the rest of the crowd repeated after them. The event was filled with fun and meaning, as the inspiration from the Rasbi spread across Baka.

Members of the English speaking Chabad of Baka community, as well as students from the Mayanot womens’ program volunteered their time and energy and helped make the program a huge success!