Bochurim Pull Off Parade in Detroit

Heeding the Rebbe’s call to arrange Lag B’omer parades for children world over, an energetic group of Bochurim from Yeshivas Menachem Mendel Lubavitch Detroit took it upon themselves to carry this out.

Still wrapped up in winter coats, the bochurim began planning the event months in advance. It was completely their own initiative and they tackled every aspect of it, from fundraising to the popcorn and everything in between.

On that bright Sunday morning, more than 500 excited children gathered together, along with a few hundred young at heart adults to watch the rally, amazing bike show and parade, for a total of close to 1,000 people. “The turnout was larger than I have ever seen or would’ve expected,” commented one of the participants, who was swept up along in the fun.

Rabbi Alexander Namdar, Head Shliach of Sweden, addressed the assembled and gave insight into the “Twelve Pesukim”.

The children then marched proudly through the streets, flanked by Michigan state troopers and the beautiful floats that had been built by the bochurim. At their head was a marching band in full gear, once again orchestrated by the bochurim themselves. The theme was ‘Yemos HaMoshiach’ – portraying some of the prophesies that will take place when Moshiach will come. Most noticeably was a tank with a sign announcing ‘out of order’, while next to it stood an impressive tree with money growing from it and a real lamb sitting next to a lion (a stuffed one, that is). All these scenes were set up alongside a large 3-D structure of the third Beis Hamikdosh.

The unity throughout the Jewish community of Detroit was felt by one and all. It was a pleasure to see children from all different backgrounds laughing and playing together.

A special thanks to Moshe Browd, Menachem Deren, Sholom Ber Dubov, Chazak Lipszyc, and Mendel Plotkin.