5,000 at Grand Flatbush Event

Photos by Alex Gorokhov www.GlattPhotography.com

Did you see it? Did you hear it? Did you sense the energy? If you were one of the five thousand men, women and children present at the Mayan Yisroel Lag B’Omer extravaganza this past Sunday your senses were awakened and your soul ignited!

What a day of achdus and fun was had by all, as the streets of Flatbush were transformed into a grand circus complete with dancing clowns, birds and the very talented Mayan Yisroel Marching Band.

The procession, under the direction of MC extraordinaire Ariel Stern and led by the world-renowned singer Benny Friedman, captivated the crowds with their rhythmic beats and soulful sound.

Following behind them was the “City In Lights” grand float designed by Sadya Davidoff, expressing the nimshal of a world with G-dliness as its operating force. As kids proudly waved flags depicting Yiddishe themes and mitzvos, neighbors and passersby looked on with delight, encompassed in the sense of spirituality Mayan Yisroel is famous for imparting.

The sentiment felt by all was eloquently expressed by a parent who remarked, “how beautifully permeated with Yiddishkeit this event is! How incredible that kids are having fun in such a Yiddishe way!”

Thanks to the dedicated officers of the 63rd and 70th precincts, all attendees who joined in the march and festivities were safe and protected.

Rabbi Yossi Vigler, in his insightful way, explained the significance of the marching. “By joining so many people marching in the streets, openly displaying our pride in Yiddishkeit, we engender a feeling of deeper meaning in our children, and a connection to a Higher cause!”

The highlight of the day was the much-anticipated entertainment program, featuring high flying acrobats and a live concert. Rav Moshe Tuvia Lieff, Mara D’asra of Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin, delivered the opening divrei bracha, and Rabbi Mutty Zeiger captivating the children with his spellbinding storytelling.

Rabbi Vigler addressed the audience, expounding on the essence of the special day of Lag Ba’Omer. He explained how the holy Tanna Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai spent 13 years in the cave, studying the secrets of the Torah on the highest level possible. Yet, the Zohar states that upon his departure into society, he focused davka on how to help people, and the world at large.
The lesson imparted to us, is to work daily on ensuring the world becomes a proper home for Hashem’s shechina to rest in. By openly displaying our yiddishkeit proudly for all to see, and excelling in our Torah and Mitzvos, we bring Hashem into our midst and make His name known.

As the talented singers took the stage, the crowd was ready for some music and dancing. Mendy Worch, Shea Rubenstein, Nachas, Dovid Stein, Boruch Sholom Blesofsky and Shloimy Kaufman entertained with their energizing tunes, getting the crowd pumped for the star of the show, “Lipa” (who was delayed a little by traffic).

Rounding off a day of music and fun, parents were able to purchase a letter for their child in the international communal Sefer Torah, written exclusively for children under bar and bas mitzvah. The Torah will be completed, one letter at a time, in the Old City of Yerushalayim. Over 600 children signed up for this special mitzvah at www.KidsTorah.org.

Thanks to Dovid Stein, Ruli and Dalia Ezrachi, Shterny Menkes-Blackman and Chani Miller, who worked tirelessly with the dedicated Mayan Yisroel team, to put this amazing day together! A special thanks to our committed volunteers who not only gave of their time but ensured the smooth running of the day.