By COLlive Reporter
The Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills was alive with joy and unity as a packed crowd of children and families gathered to celebrate Lag BaOmer. The event was filled with Torah, Tefillah, Tzedakah—and an unforgettable lineup of musical performances.
Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, Head Shliach of the West Coast, opened the program by sharing the Rebbe’s special connection to Lag BaOmer and the powerful role of Jewish children in bringing the Geulah. A moving video compilation followed, showcasing the Rebbe’s joy and the unity he inspired among children during this auspicious day.
The atmosphere soared as the dynamic emcee, Rabbi Meyer Greene of Chabad of Tarzana, introduced musical sensations Shmuly and Bentzi Marcus of Eighth Day, followed by a rousing performance from Joey Newcomb. Their energy lit up the theater, with children and adults singing and dancing in the aisles, creating an electric sense of achdus (unity).
A particularly heartfelt moment came when Rabbi Dovber Chaiton and Morah Srula Chaiton of Kol Yaakov Yehuda invited children from over 15 schools and groups across Southern California to recite the Rebbe’s first nine Pesukim in unison. They continue the legacy of their grandfather, Rabbi JJ Hecht OBM, who famously organized the Rebbe’s Lag BaOmer parades in 770.
A moment of deep emotion filled the theater as Rabbi Mendel Duchman—founder of Kol Yaakov Yehuda and a central figure in Chabad Youth activities in Los Angeles—called upon a 2nd grader from Cheder Menachem to recite a Posuk in memory of the legendary Charlie Buttons OBM. Charlie, who passed away recently, had served as the grand marshal of the Pico Lag BaOmer parade eight years ago and left a lasting impact on the community.
Later in the program, the family of Rabbi Tzemach Cunin OBM was honored on stage. They led the crowd in a Posuk in memory of their beloved uncle, who had tirelessly organized the Lag BaOmer Unity Event for many years. The entire event was dedicated to his memory, paying tribute to his legacy as a Shliach of the Rebbe, director of Chabad of Century City, and longtime organizer of this cherished celebration.
This annual West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch Lag BaOmer event was co-sponsored by Chabad Youth Programs and Kol Yaakov Yehuda, in honor of The Rebbe’s Diamond Daveners—a reference to the young boys whose davening shines with dedication.
The event was organized by Rabbi Mendel Duchman, Rabbi Meyer Greene, and Rabbi Chaim Nochum Cunin. Yossi Burston of YB Productions coordinated the production.
Participating schools and groups included Bais Chaya Mushka of Los Angeles, Cheder Menachem, Chabad of South Bay, Chabad Pico Learning Center, Etta Israel, Friendship Circle of Los Angeles, Gan Chabad, Jewish Creative Preschool, Lamplighters Jewish Academy, Legacy Academy, Morah Mushky’s Preschool, Morah Sima’s Preschool, and Zlata’s Little Lights.
With music, unity, and heartfelt tributes, this year’s Lag BaOmer celebration was a powerful testament to Jewish pride, youth, and the enduring legacy of Chabad in California.
