Community to Hold Unity Bonfire

Bonfires are a well-known and enjoyed Lag B’Omer tradition. The fire symbolizes the great light of Torah that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai brought into the world with his revolutionary teachings. On the day of his passing, Lag B’Omer, he revealed particularly lofty concepts to his students, causing his home to be filled with blinding light and fire.

Every year, Jews gather to commemorate the day of his passing in the celebratory manner that he requested- with music, dancing and bonfires! For the past eight years, Crown Heights has hosted its own bonfire, a free event open to all members of the community. The designation of lighting the bonfire is auctioned off in public bidding, and dancing commences accompanied by live music and entertainment. Light refreshments are provided and the dancing continues well into the night.

This year will be no different. The logistics are slightly complicated by this year’s calendar, in which Lag B’omer falls out on a Sunday. This means that from the time that Shabbos ends, there will be less than an hour to get the show on the road. Despite this, the coordinators anticipate a large turnout as they begin the Lag B’omer festivities that will continue (for many, uninterruptedly!) into the next day and the Great Parade.

The bonfire is held in memory of Saadia Shmuel a”h Liberow. It is coordinated by Rabbi Moishy Sufrin and Rabbi Shimon Liberow among others, not to mention with the approval of the NYPD and NYC Parks Department.

The bonfire is scheduled to begin at 9:45 PM on Motzei Shabbos at 600 Kingston Ave. (between Rutland and Winthrop) in front of the George Wingate High School. Seating is provided for both men and women in designated areas. All members of the community are invited to participate in the celebration.

The event is sponsored by Anash of Crown Heights as well as Irgun Simchas HaRashbi.

For more information, please contact 646-210-7082 or [email protected].