On Wednesday, the eve of 18 Iyar, Chabad Mamilla Friendship Circle Central Jerusalem – directed by Rabbi Eli and Chanie Canterman, celebrated their annual Lag B’omer event.
But this year held a first, for its participants- a bonfire Kumzitz permitted by the municipality (who granted financial support for this project), and the Fire Department of Jerusalem.
A musical drumming parade led by Binyamin Pinkovitch and Mendi Hillel set off on Mamilla Avenue, where scores of store owners and shoppers caught on to the beat, cheering to the drumming band which comprised of children of all abilities.
The parade passed the American consulate and was greeted with enthusiastic clapping and thumbs up from guards and visitors.
The final stop was a large parking lot on the corner of Jerusalem’s central Keren Hayesod street, where a large-scale and happening event greeted the entourage.
The event location and the ‘first ever in Jerusalem’ bonfire permit for a Lag B’omer public parade, came about with a chain of open miracles that unfolded a mere two days before the event, when there still was no permit for the use of the car park – nor for the bonfire.
Rav Yechiel and Mrs. Bassie Ben Shachar helped plan the evening with attention to the smallest detail.
Rav Elazar Cohen expertly emceed the children’s rally and Rabbi Doniel Grabski was honored with lighting the bonfire.
The unity and love for all children was distinctly felt by the crowd of hundreds that sat together end enjoyed an evening of endless entertainment.
Popular singer Chaim Zippel and long-time FC volunteer, led a spirited Kumzitz of songs honoring Rashbi, accompanied by a laser light show.
The participants were riveted by the ‘Zohar Shebalev’ performance of the Nekuda Tova Theater, followed by a celebratory barbecue prepared by dedicated FC volunteers from Machon Shoshana Seminary, Bet Chana and various other high schools in the Jerusalem area.
A siyum Sefer Hamitzvos was made, sought after prizes were won in a grand raffle and each family received a new sequel of the Sefer ‘Giborei Haam Shelanu’.
Indeed, the flames of the FCCJ Chabad Lag B’omer bonfire have ebbed away, but the candles of light ignited in the hearts of the crowd, will remain alight as they kindle the flame of Jewish pride in others.
The highlight of the event came as the Shluchim were clearing up from the event and decided to send a heartfelt thank you message to the facilitator of the parking lot who – 2 days before the event, after many, many attempts to reach him in order to garner his support and consent for the use the of lot, finally gave the green light for the project.
His surprising response, and a reminder of the ever-burning Pintele Yid in each neshama – regardless of affiliation, was
“אני שמח מאד – שיהיה לעילו נשמת ר׳ מאיר פריימן” – “I’m so very happy! It should be dedicated in memory of R’ Meir Freiman z”l.”
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Gorgeous pictures!
Gorgeous children! ka”h
Gorgeous event!