Public service announcement from organizers of the Great Parade in Crown Heights:
This year’s Great Lag B’Omer Parade, after months of tireless preparation and planning, reached its spectacular culmination just a couple of days ago.
By all accounts, the Parade was a wonderful event, its message of Jewish unity and pride was as powerful as ever, and a day one can be certain was a source of tremendous nachas for Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.
The organizers of the parade would like to convey their deepest gratitude – to the many volunteers and workers whose tireless, energetic dedication helped make the parade, to everyone who attended, and most of all, to all of the children who marched.
However, as our readers peruse through photos of the Lag B’Omer parade, the organizers have one more request: In order for the Great Parade to be even greater, it’s vital that they hear from the Parade’s participants.
Any suggestions, compliments, or accounts, from spectator, volunteer, or marcher alike, would be greatly appreciated.
all you anti yechi bored people missed the all point af lag baomer
Wondering…. Where is OHR MENACHEM? I was sitting at Brooklyn Ave, seeing all these kids marching, but when it came to my child, SOMEHOW the school opened the barriers and marched in the middle of the block!!! I never saw him, and neither did my parents who drove up 4 hours, nor my in-laws, who also exerted a lot of energy to see their grandson march!
WHO made this decision? WHY didn’t anyone ANNOUNCE this on the mike? I’m sure others were also let down.
We expect to see photos & video of the Ohr Menachem Preschool, please!
To all those against the saying of Yechi and saying it turns people off… … I think what turns people off most is all the fighting and machlokes we have within Lubavitch for no reason!! If we would learn to repsect other peoples opionins and beliefs then others would learn to respect Lubavitch too! Noone is telling you you have to say it, but those that want to say it because the Rebbe said too and encouraged should be allowed to do so without being bashed and prevented etc… Lets just learn to respect our fellow Lubavitchers regardless of what… Read more »
the sly yechi definitely put a sad taste to many peoples mouths. If it will cause machlokes dont do it!
#170 is correct.
What a waste of energy. We have become real shallow.
firstly, “how sad is their foresight”?!!!!!! who’s foresight exactly are you speaking about? when mishechistim plan and say yechi, and give out pamphlets and encourage others to believe the Rebbe as Melech Hamoshiach chai vkayum, they do it out of deference to the will of the Rebbe. ask any shliach how they measure their success. is it so much about how many people came and then decided to become frum and change all in one night? it doesn’t work like that. we do our shlichus BECAUSE THE REBBE REQUESTED IT. our success is the Rebbe’s. aah. we all need to… Read more »
When it comes to yechi, in truth both shitos make sence, both can be proven based on the rebbes sichos based on how you intrepid them, for example if you take the rebbes statements literal, or as a bakasha etc… (That’s the conclusion i came to based on my learning of the sichos) so how do you know which shitah to follow? You look at who’s more of a mentch antis or mishechistem, who do you feel does more of what the rebbe wants, who go out on shlichus etc…
everyone needs to decide for themselves where they stand with regard to the emunah pshuta of the Rebbe’s words, or if they come to inferences and conclusions of their own. it’s interesting the way you write – almost as if neither matters, like you can be okay with either. peace is beautiful. and if not for ourselves because we are all Yidden and love the Rebbe, then for the Rebbe there should be no fights. but to be ignorant and be “okay” with either prospect… where does that put someone? i speak with genuine curiousity, i want to understand. to… Read more »
My daughter didn’t understand why when it was her turn to march there was barely anyone there 🙁
The chairs should maybe be set up a bit differently.
So like you can see the parade
Ani Maamin Biemuna Shleima….we know who Moshiach is
and the Rebbe M”H told the Shluchim that the only thing left
to do is to Mekabel Pnei Moshiach Tzidkeinu! Yechi Hamelech!
A few years ago there was an incident that happrned Iin a chabad shill when’s viznitzer chossid stopped by for mincha.THere is a group that always says Y echi after DAvening.Those who didn’t say Yechi were embarrassed because of the Viznitzer chossid. They began protesting,and threatened to leave the shul.They wanted it made clear that they were not meshugoyim.when everyone finally left , the visiting chossid walked over and said to the few remaining misspalalim and asked what was the whole tumul about? What’s wrong with having bitachon .? Thoe of you who consider themselves Bessemer mentchen should learn to… Read more »
well organized…..
kol hakavod
i m sure the rebbe shepped alot of nachas!
THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE I NO from our bais chabad that got turned of from yechi is plenty and we never talk about this subgect I our community. We should never have this discussing agen
where we were allocated. instead they took us (and very small children) to sit under the huge speakers, i thought i was going deaf, not to mention the damage it makes to kids is 10x worse.
otherwise it was very nice.
I agree with you 100%.
Parade would move quicker and safer if the floats went by first without people in the way, and then the people could march without trucks in their way. Also, the floats should go by in fornt of the people. There is no point having some of the floats go past when three quarters of the people aren’t there anymore. If they are running late for time, then maybe the performing could be cut down or done during the floats driving by. Loved the idea of the floats going in the middle of the main road so everyone could see them… Read more »
Thanks for bringing yeshiva boys choir. They were great! Also,, note to meshichists- yes, you are pushing the rest of the frum world away. I sat near some non lubavitchers who said that they would never attend the parade again because they were horrified by what they read in a booklet given out by the Tzfatis. it was something along the lines of knowing the Rebbe is Moshisch because Moshiach must be from the living , and everyone knows the Rebbe is alive…..I read the booklet myself. not a word about doing good,not a word about tzedaka, not a word… Read more »
Then fact is that the yechi people won’t be stopped and because of that the outside olam will not come.It’s basically an eigina olam that came which raises the question “should so much money and time be spent for our olam when we’ll never be able to attract an outside crowd”? Why not take a portion of it and spend it on melamdim who are in desperate straits and barely make a living.Let them live in dignity!
Delay from on video screen few secs off
i thought the parade was very well organised, much better then last time. i’m very happy they didn’t waist all there money on performers this time, uncle moishe to create joy for the children and benny friedman as a traditional singer. the yishiva boys coir was all so great, i was very happy with the plane that carried a sign that said: “salute the rebbe king moshiach ” yechi turned out great, the floats were great there was a lot of v’ahavta l’reiacha komocha . the only problem i have was with the speakers and mices it should of bin… Read more »
the parade was AMAZING and pretty organized as well. Great job TO EVERYONE!
I agree with you!
calm down!! do you really have a problem that yechi was said?!!? and what was wrong with the blimp thing in the sky. i thought it was adorable. you guys seem like 2 year olds. appriciate what there was a t the show.
i thought the parade was amazing and you can say yechi or whatever you want to say at the parade; the parts i dont want to hear i will close my ears (its that simple).
Great Parade! would have been nice to compliment yeshiva boys choir (they are children also), all the schools get a brucha, all told, a GREAT JOB,BH
i see the bochurim of ot mesivta where poel on you something!!!
thanks for the Yechi!!!
why does it bother so many people that yechi was said!! big deal, it was very nice, pls just chill out, and dont get all worked up about these things….yechi lubavitch
drizin at hecht mikvah = Yechi at parade
it seems that chabad is an outreach organization, and the message is generally to encourage non-observant jews to become observant, amongst many other things, the mivtza campaigns, etc. saying “yechi” at best seems to be an “inside” concept for which you need to be fairly educated in chabad concpets, and seems to be some what far away from basic mitzva observance, which is generally more of a focal point. then you have relating to the frum but not chabad world – of which it seems inyanim of “to yechi or not to yechi” just make us sort of a joke.… Read more »
Who runs this thing? I want to know who chooses if Yechi is said or not?!
It was marvelous.
All my thanks to everyone involved.
One thing troubled me…’The Titanic’ inflated boat ride was in bad taste. Thousands suffered and died on that ship.
Yechi was said by the parade when the Rebbe was alive and will continue to be said until Mashiach arrives iy’h Bkarav Mammash!
Your a disgrace!Thank you to the organisers of this great event!
I am a baalas teshuvah in the area and was so fond of Rabbi JJ(He is sorely missed)I believe this was his sons legacy passed down to him.It must be hard to carry out this awesome task and i did see some distracting people yelling at him from below.Rabbi hecht you were wonderful .Lets get positive the parade was very inspirational!
I have been to many a parade and feel it was a kiddush Hashem.Rabbi SHimon what a magnificent day.I am certain the Rebbe zl and Rabbi JJ a”h were cheering you on.Be proud and keep up this awesome work.
Ahavas Yisroel indeed!
You single out people, you sound venomou.This site is to give positive feedback and constructive suggestions not immature rude comments where you vent and cause sinaas chinum contrary to the theme of lag b,omer!
Loved it! I got chills when the little boy said yechi. B’rov am hadras melech!
yes loved the parade. We WOMAN needed another screen because we felt out of it. If you sit not on the block of 770 you feel left out. We also need more speakers so we can hear whats going on. Some of my kids did not see because no screen was near them and its not fair that they don’t feel part of it. I find that many adults including teachers block the children because they need to stand up close against the railings so they can get a close up look at the floats and the kids in the… Read more »
Please make sure that the people who sit in the VIP section belong in that section. People pay a lot of money and they should get a seat when they arrive.
Please don’t put Bnos Menachem and Bais Chaya Mushka at the tail end of the parade, after you already announced acharon acharon chaviv to another school. They should be together with Bais Rivkah. Where is the achdus? the lower grades of all the schools should march first, then the higher grades.
I believe that the parade should go as follows: the children should march by GRADE not by SCHOOL. This way people will be there, clapping on every child no matter the school- even the last ones. Thank you for listening.
it was beautiful to hear yechi and see all the moshiach flags, made me feel like i was at a parade when the rebbe was around
The map was posted online and the entrances were clearly marked! You should have done more planning.
The lines are very long. There is no way to accommodate such a large crowd, kain yirbu, with amusement rides. Maybe it is time to think of something else for after parade entertainment. Times have changed.
What about closing off streets for bicycles and rollerblades? A large truck can come and rent out equipment. There can be music and separate blocks for boys and girls.
Or street entertainment like jugglers, magicians,music,so many can watch at the same time.
The Parade was inspiring and amazing. A few things since you asked. 1. I think the emcee should announce every group as they pass (some came from 8-12 hour drives and didnt get noticed=not so nice.) 2. Perhaps each singer should sing another song or two that is what gets the crowd excited, clapping and going 3. Definitely need trash cans I held my garbage for an hour so as not to throw it on the ground until I found one. Thank you again!
Why is it always one way?
True achdus is achieved when you don’t say Yechi.
How many yidden don’t come to THE parade because Yechi is said?!
Head in the sand.
Exactly.
u lubavitcher are amazing! u make such a udge parade, put so much energy and money…. and fight abt a sentence!
did you already forget the rebbe’s teaching?
its pathetic! moshiah now
Was nice!
I am appalled by what you write!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And honestly, i think your making up the story about ur daughter.
If you dont want to join the parade thats your prerogative. It leaves more fun for the rest of us. BTW even when Moshiach comes there will still be a parade!
I’m not a mishachis either but you cannot control what someone wants to do if you don’t want to say it don’t don’t scream at everyone to stop
I enjoyed every second of the parade! The performers, the floats, the smiling marching faces. It was organized, very well run, not too long, not too short, though I did leave before the older girls marched…
people, do you think that the rebbe would be proud of theses comments? what is the point of lag baomer? what chabad is all about? AAVAT ISROEL is not only on the papers, on the sichos and maamarim!!
24000 students passed away only because they didnt respect each other! whats going on?
lets accept other people opinion and take this powerful energy from this parade and bringing down into our life, our chlichus, our chinuch and do what the rebbe REALLY wants for us! this bring moshiach!
Even though I live in CH for 9 years this was my first time really at the parade for the whole event (I’m not a fan of big crowds).
1. Garbage cans throughout would be great
2. ALL PRESCHOOLS should march FIRST! There’s no good reason why we had to wait til the streets were EMPTY (and the filming over) to march with my 3&4 year olds.
3. More music!!!! 🙂
why do they need to bring in other bands that don’t play nigunnim? if we have wonderful and beautiful fats nigunnim why can’t we play those? here you have a chance to play nigunnim in front of so many children. Why is there a need to bring in other bands that don’t play nigunnim. By all the other parades, only nigunim was played in front of the Rebbe. Why are we changing it now?
Pls No Yechi Again It wasnt fair for every1 else, why not whisper yechi to yourself, than we dont need to waste time on shtusim… no need for yelling by yechi
1) more screens
2) more rides. the lines were ENDLESSLY long and i paid $15 per kid, for only a few minutes worth of rides. Maybe we can have more rides, for more types of ages (like bigger rides for older kids, maybe a petting zoo or little trains for the younger kids)
3) more entertainers. maybe even have an entertainer at the parade itself…or a more lively singer…like 8th day 🙂
4) we should include all communities of new york….make this a bigger parade!
thanks again for all the hard work of the parade!
The program was exciting for all the children.They loved it.If adults were bored, then it’s just to bad.
Showing the floats on the big screen with commentary sounds like a good idea,
Marching takes time.period.
Other frum people do not want to come to CH.However,thanks to the Rebbe and parades of long ago lag b’omer is celebrated all over.
Thank you Hechts and NCFJE and everyone that did an amazing job with an amazing budget.
Growing up on shlichus and never having the opportunity to be at a parade , this was my first time and I absolutely loved it…..watching the videos growing up and hearing rabbi JJ voice and then being at the parade on Sunday and hearing rabbi Hechts voice and it’s so similar to his fathers that it gave me chills all over my body, I felt like the rebbe was there, witch he most defenetly was. People complainig about yechi go celebrate lag Baomer in Williamsburg or new square and leave us alone. Yechi was most defenetly appropriate, most lubavitch schools… Read more »
yasher koach to everyone who helped plan and organize this event. It was run very professionally and thought it was very well organized, and everything was clearly marked. The police did a great job, although I was disappointed to find MANY of them chatting to each other, or texting on their cell phones. At an event like this, I would think they would have to be fully aware of what is going on, and therefore not allowed to use their phones on the job. I did like the fact that there were wrist bands as opposed to paying and using… Read more »
I am NOT a Tzfati, by any stretch of imagination. My wife and I are both college graduates. We consider ourselves civilized individuals. BUT YOU MADE ONE OF MY DAUGHTERS CRY WHEN YOU MALICIOUSLY RIPPED THE MIC OUT OF YECHIEL VOGEL’S HANDS!!!! You think you made the Rebbe proud?!!! I will say that we are ASHAMED at the behavior you showed. Its on YOUTUBE! Your damage can be seen by all! Just look how they act when a little boy goes up to say Yechi AS AGREED UPON! Please stop connecting this to Hendel. We as baalei batim in the… Read more »
I think it should be bigger, as much publicity as possible,w hich is chabad style. yechi is ok, since it simply is not understood by the general public; in fact, on that note, probably should do without it, but maybe a little controversy is good. i think they should srtive for biggest name performers, and it should be on best spots of public TV for outreach purposes; i think this is what the rebbe had in mind in the days when they had it, that it was at least also an outreach event. thus i think the bigger the performers… Read more »
The parade was nice but with two million yidden in New York
the turnout was quite poor.Obviously saying Yechi scares the daylights out of the frum Olam and as long as there is no Balabus the bullies take over.
There used to be frum Bais Yaakovs and other frum Mosdos that came but we don’t see them any more.
During the time that the Rebbe participated there were no families of husbands ,wives and children walking together but apparently there is a new Chabad out there
i think there should be more rides for younger kids, and more rides in general, because the lines were sooooo long. also, the marching can be a little shorter, the younger kids were getting tired already. otherwise, loved the parade!
As an out of towner watching the parade live with my kids i can say that it really was a ”great parade” the only issue that upset me was the music that was played online to blot out Yechi, who exactly are we trying to hide from? we must be proud of who we are! i am sure that Rabbi JJ Hecht a”h would never have allowed such a thing.
yes, i would have liked it to be a bit more chasidish
Overall it was the best yet! I like the way there were only a few screens making people gather in one place for ONE parade. The fact that in the past there were screens where ever you walked made me feel the parade was everywhere but no where. I felt the whole program was geared for kids, and the right performers were chosen. I don’t know why uncle moishy only sings a few songs. The color coded tshirts were great! Blue, orange, green, this gave the impression that every team member is important! I liked that the zones was clear… Read more »
it was so inspiaring!!!!!!
g-8 job!!!
yichi was said beautifuly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
instead of 3 musical singers there should be a juggler bike show etc at the parade itself
thanks
Crazy long lines at the fair and all. There was were jumping bouncy houses. That’s for ages 4-8 and anyone older or younger had nothing to do. There should have been a petting zoo and pony rides and some real rides! It took 40 minutes just to have the kids jump up and down. Next year, ill pass. My kids did not enjoy it .
They can’t sing. Don’t get them again!
As for Yechi….if you want to say it in a Chabad only environment, I can’t stop you (I wish I could.) But to say it when there are hundreds of non-Lubavitchers from all different communities…it just makes us look like a cult (which some of these crazies are in.) As someone else said it’s 2013. Enough with the craziness already. Time to grow up.
Maybe Yechi was said because Drizin just built a mikva for Hecht.
not so organized this year and very boring
i personally think it was more organized when Tzivos hashem was running it…
Isn’t it funny how whenever the organizers give in and allow yechi to be chanted it’s called achdus but whenever it’s not recited it’s called divisive… The fact is that yechi remains the most divisive slogan that could have possibly been uttered and it was a terrible shame… Just because there are no terrorists who will harm anyone who is foolish enough to shout it, doesn’t mean that there was achdus. Adaerabeh veaderabeh!
all they asked for, was what u thought about it, not to argue, about yechi or no, that stuff u do in ur house!! not on the internet for all to c “the gr8 kidddush lubavitch” if ppl just said what they thought, then they can count up the comments, and count the the amount of suggestions, and decide what to do next year, but fighting about it? and on the internet? and talking about ppl, remember something even if it is true, it is LASHON HARA so how to u say “its crazy ppl. or its about” money” ??… Read more »
I’m not gonna get into the background of Yechi (even though at the end of the day, it’s either you know and follow the truth, or you’re just a “Am Ha’oretz” in this topic…)
Either way, if you don’t have any respect towards Yechi – YOU DON’T HAVE ANY RESPECT TO THE REBBE…
So even if you don’t want to say it, but to fight against it by the parade… WE ALL KNOW WHAT THE REBBE SAID ABOUT THE LAST PERSON THAT FOUGHT AGAINST THE LAG BAOMER PARADES…
Thank you Rabbi Shimon Hecht, and all the organizors! An outstanding, beautiful job! A great Kiddush Hashem — and made everyone proud to be a part of this great Lubavitch!!!!!
I always thought that the hechts had guts. I guess they don’t… They are to scared of MH and his tzfati terrorists… What a shame
Yechi ruins the parade. Look how almost no mosdos from outside Lubavitch would come. It was advertised well (ami) and they still won’t come. The reason many more yidden won’t come is because of the massive chilul hashem that is caused by a small group of extremist who demand yechi. If their demands for yechi are not met they’ll show terror as they have in the past. Also, why is yechi needed? Somone wrote that it was always said by every parade! That’s so dumb. When the rebbe was there and said a sicha obviously you wish the rebbe long… Read more »
it started perfectly on time… every concert or big event takes time to fill up…the entire schedule was right on from beginning till the end, including the marching which yes does take long, its always been like this at the rebbes parade it took much longer cuz less organized… this was considered short for those who were around 25 years ago etc..
I’m a father of 2 kids under 3 and there was nothing for their age.. Lama Nigara?
Previously there was always an Uncle Moishe show.
I also think that if you hire good camera man, they can highlight the floats by zooming in and showing different angles of the floats and the marching groups, instead of having the ybc take away the show.. (or maybe as each float passes you can show a short video prepared in advance about the different parts of that float etc.)
Again thanks a million for putting together a beautiful parade with no “fashlot”..
First, yasher koach for a beautiful parade. Here is my 2 cents worth: Wearing last years tshirts while handing out flags and arguing with the cops does not make a kiddush hashem, regardless of what/whom you represent. Such people should not be allowed entrance to the parade. Schools should be roped off with security. I do not want someone that is, at best, mentally unstable, and at worst, a psychotic sociopath having access to my child by giving out flags. Regardless of what the flags say on them. I wholeheartedly agree with the poster that suggested that the children have… Read more »
I have so much respect for you and I’m sure other ppl who do say yechi have a lot of respect for you. We need more ppl like u in CH
There is nothing greater than the parade – where Jewish pride can be felt! Thank you.
–Tzedakah – there was a lot of money left on floor – mayb make sure teacher/zone head collects it.
Thank you again!
This parade was absolutely beautiful. It was extremely organized lots of toichen and great atmonsphere.
Thank You organizers for your hard work it definitely paid off !!!!!
great parade!
for next year:
more bathrooms
start on time
shorter marching route
give out flags, bubbles, noise makers… something the kids can hold and be busy with. it’s hard for a kid to look at a screen miles away from his seat and be entertained for two hours!
Thank you to the “National Committee For Furtherance of YECHI Education” The Flags, The Banners, On Every Float, By Microphone, and even In The Air. Scrap the we want moshiach now banner on stage. If it’s all about Nohogu Kovod Zeh Laze, let’s get the Yechi banner on stage next time. And while at it, synchronize the speakers, add more screens – 1 screen for an entire city block is not going to cut it, look out for trees hanging over eastern parkway – a couple of floats didn’t clear, more rides, and clearly diversified performers help draw attendance from… Read more »
Why is techie tzvatim? Even oholei torah zal flout had yechi!
It was great to watch on lineBUT TOO MANY CLOWNS BLOCKING THE TRUCKS, WHICH MADE THEM GO SLOWER AND BLOCKING ALL THE VIEWS OF THE FLOATS, GREAT TO HAVE CLOWN, BUT GET THEM TO GO INTO THE CROWD INSTEAD OF BLOCKING EVERYONE,
Maybe have different options for live streems so it doesn’t crash otherwise very Happy bout yechi. Next yr have tzivos hashem flags. More music and start on time
More mechanical rides please, I saw other pics from other chabad parties and they had mechanical swings , bumper cars etc looked fun
Perhaps a special assistance section for wheelchairs, walkers?
Yechi is a must!
Its not right to give all the girls/ boys moshiach flags to march with. You say it give it to ur own children not someone else’s
I don’t think it’s fair that year after year bais rival marches first and bnos menachem and this year I think bais Chaya mushka r always last it’s not fair for the kids that r marching
Parade was very very nice. I never go to these types of events and I have to say it was a nice atmosphere Two things I think need improvement First: the children from the boys school were sitting very close the loudspeakers and the noise was deafening. I was standing close by and I couldn’t hear myself think so I had to move. The children from the boys school’ some as young as three years old were sitting very close without the option to change seats because of the noise. Secondly, it would be best to tell people the parade… Read more »
I am a Morah, and I must say this parade was the best I have seen and experienced in years. It was extremely organized, seating arrangements were excellent, the parade line was perfectly placed – right in the center, there were no long, drawn out speeches, entertainers, or long lines for marching. Everything flowed very nicely, and my students (not to mention fellow teachers) had an incredible time! A note on Yechi – I think that the less you make an issue of it, the less an issue it will be. This year yechi was said , it was over… Read more »
Thats the most important thing = UNITY!!
saying yechi was fine! So happy they did it this time without fights!!
Beautiful event! The rides were insane with the lines and at $15 for an unlimited when you are only able to get on two rides is very unfair. Need more rides.
I was there & was very impressed there was plenty of seats (Women section) & we saw the screen & the program flowed
& the bags were wonderful & the achdus brought tears to my eyes! Im sure we made the REBBE very proud! My Hat goes off to all the organizers & the hard working clowns!!
very upset about ybc and what happend to the mice by yechi? huh. liked it more when run by tzivos hashem next year there should be performers who understand by whos parade there performing at and in front of and should feel nervous by who there performing in front of witch is the REBBE MELECH HAMOSIACH (and in front of 770 beis moshiach)
im am not meshichist and dont say yechi. thats me personally, so i didnt say it, but i thought that it was a beutiful display of achdus when yechi was said and there were no fights and everyone was happy. (although the mic miraculously turned off for a second during the first round of yechi).
Yet, giving out flags and the plane flying were uncalled for. i feel like the tzfatim hijacked the parade.
the whole point is achdus thats why we have a parade. now yechi is great but we can get so much other types of yidden to join w/o Yechi.
thanks for saying yechi without any fights.
really nice to see!
Every year Lag Bomer comes around and my heart swells with pride. Kol Hakavod! May Hashem Bless you for your efforts. I only wish the time would not wither away so we can stand united with our brothers and sisters for just a bit longer. Next year in Yerushalim!
Suggestion: need more variety at the fair. It seemed like all the rides were similar.
2) there was nobody there to introduce the jump rope performer. He even mentioned that and said he’ll introduce himself.
3) I ordered my fair tickets online and thought it wasn’t working so I pressed the key a couple of times and was later charged a few times. I called and emailed about this error and they said would take care of it. So far was still not reimbursed.
All in all, it was a beautiful parade.
Thank you do much for your hard work!
Thank you for clarifying:) at least there was a cleaning crew after the parade
Thank you so much for streaming the parade online. The parade brought back so many childhood memories. We had to be up and ready by 7:00 a.m. (davened and all) but it was so worth it. Thanks again!!!
Rochel K.
Miryam Swerdlovs comment says it best. It was an absolutely magnificent parade! A great big yasher koach to all those involved!
that’s why they should put a few trash binds in the first place;)
Amazing, beautiful and can’t imagine what work went into it. The reserved seats were a HUGE problem and had a lot of discruntled people. People reserved seats weeks in advance and when they came to their section had no where to sit because people were reserving rows for their groups and Chabad Houses. Wish the seats had labels, Chabad of so & so, Chabad of so & so so that there wasn’t so much anger and resentment.
Thank you!
I had a blast! #12, lol! #58- what the heck?!
obviously the emcee wrong change, but he needs to prepare.
yechi was beautiful and even if you’re ” against” it, dunno hire you could do upset about.
You have to get people to buy that.
Beautiful parade very enjoyable. great floats and great performances. In regards to yechi decide whther or not to say it. POLITICS SHOULDN’T PLAY A PART IN THE PARADEits about Lag Baomer and jewish unity. btw it was disgusting to pull the plug in the kid saying yechi if you have a problem deal with it beforhand not during the parade
For spoil people then yes.
that’s the spirit! I don’t know why everyone is so against yechi. the main thing is that there should be no fights!
it was done amazing well ran started on time everything was amazing but i feel the security should of been better
For the achdus yechi!
Thank you so much for the incredible parade this year! A wonderful time was had by all! It was truly wonderful to be able to purchase one all day pass per child for the rides. Problem was they were only able to get on two an hour 🙁 Not sure how to rectify this but the lines were out of control!
For the first time there was facepainting by the fair, my kids loved it (especially the professional artist)
If you don’t like yechi, block your eyes…children do that when they cantm handle what’s being said around them
I couldn’t see a thing -worst set up EVER in the great parade
Not just saying yechi tens of times, but also saying rebbe shlitah… That was some extra
whats the difference to you if yechi is said or not
why would you cry from achdus and smiles
I had an awesome time at the Great Parade! The only thing is the music. If you are hiring performers to come and sing, then they should be able to sing a while, like 10 minutes, or more, not like 2 minutes. Each of the singers were singing 2 songs and i thought it was too short. So I think next year you should tell the singers to sing more, not less. I understand totally that the main thing is the parade but I just think that if your also doing a concert and hiring people to come, they should… Read more »
laziness is good
The atmosphere at the parade was uplifting and amazing. Thanks very much to the esteemed organizers!
One has to be a tzvaty to say yechi??? Do you remember the Rebbe had encouraged MANY times the song “chayoley harabi moshiach tzidkeinu” and “yechi” before 27 adar and countless times thereafter?
If you choose not to say it – it’s your choice. But to say that at a Lubavitcher event in Crown Heights one should not be allowed to proclaim it??? This is the Rebbe’s shcuna….
The most organized ever.
Well done.
Rides were too overcrowded.
the previous one seemed to have more floats…
the parade was amazing! another screen would have been nice closer to brooklyn ave. HOWEVER- there were not enough rides at the fair. after spending $15 per band per child, the lines were toooo long – minimum of 30 min and the shows were not so entertaining – especiallythe ballon show. how do u have someonemaking ballons for 200+ children and not everyone gets one????
2 points, 1 need more rides much more lines are too long.
2. I would like to see more Jewish communities involved making floats and participating. its amazing there’s nothing like it in the whole NYC why can we have more Jewish groups participating.
A couple of years ago The Great Parade had MBD, Avraham Fried, Lipa and Uncle Moishe, and they all played for some time … This year the musical entertainment was too short….
Also, the speakers close to Albany didn’t work well. We couldn’t hear the music as people were parading and my wife kept complaining she didn’t feel part of the parade because of the lack of music…
I wish the layout of the seating would have been posted online so we would know where we would be sitting.
A lot of people came to Kingston and Eastern Parkway and didn’t know how to access their seats.
and exactly who was forcing there opinion on others?
The people saying Yechi arent forcing anyone to say it, you can do and say what you want!! They jsut want to be able to say what they belive in…
But those opposing them are the ones forcing their opionion on others by not allowing them to say their opionin!! By Not allowing them to say Yechi your forcing your opionin on them!!
Im sure the Rebbe had lots of nachas ruach from that and was smiling at his beautyful chassidim!!
Achdus will bring Moshiach!!
can you please explain what exactly was so terrible about a kid saying Yechi to the Rebbe respectfully because he belives in it and the Rebbe encouraged it? I really want to understand what promotes you guys to go bananas over something people say/sing just because you dont agree doesnt mean you have to make as if saying it ruins the entire event!! It was A Great Parade and dont make fights and issues over things not worth fighting for!! LETS HAVE ACHDUS IN LUBAVITCH AND REPSECT EVEN THOSE WE DONT AGREE WITH!!! IYH next years parade will be in… Read more »
I thought it was very well organized!!! (Logistics, good stage, screens, sound) However the turnout was very very poor!!! I think it will need rebranding completely for next year as it could be the largest Jewish parade/funday in usa!!! Different activeties all over the heights through the day! If its rebranded it should at least bring in the amout of people that where there the first year of The great parade. A few points Small flags should be made for all the kids and should not allow moshiach flags, they are cheap to make and would add allot. The marching… Read more »
While you are entitled to say Yechi and no one can stop you from saying it, forcing your opinion on others is not considered Achdus it reminds me a lot of a certain group who swing the other way.
We have to RESPECT eachother regardless of political view!!
Especially when we are amongst fellow Lubavitchers there is no reason to be emabarrased about something the Rebbe spoke sooo much about if its done in a respectful way!! You dont have to be an extremist, but there is NO REASON why people are against and have a problem with others saying Yechi!! The Rebbe So much encouraged it, so if your not on the level yet to say it, at least don’t mock and inhibit others from saying it!!
I think its only fair!!
Very well organized, everything was perfect, I loved how the floats went in main road between the crowd instead of service lane, way more people were able to see. I can’t think of any negative. Maybe that it was a bit too long.
Now the rides is another story, b”h we have a very big community and not enough rides. Bring more rides, have a variety with more mechanical rides, maybe carnival style booths, it was very frustrating for parents and kids alike, more than 10 minutes its too long to wait at any ride.
so orginized and chilled. the food packets and water bottles were so neatly packed, and the atmosphere was just amazing!! forsure the best one yet!!!!!!
it was great up until they start screaming yechi it made me want to throw up these people always ruin a nice event I don’t need my kids seeing this
It was very nice that the entertainers were all Yiddish!
1. Where’s the emunah that next year’s parade will be on Har Habayis? Don’t have to be Meshichist to believe in the coming of Moshiach! 2. My order of T-shirts wasn’t made when I came to pick it up late on Friday. Instead of an EXTRA SMALL and SMALL children’s, they THREW 2 MEDIUMS and told me basically to “gey fifen”… My two youngest kids looked ridiculous in their over-sized T-shirts. 3.The MC looked too uncomfortable and conspiratory to the mekurovim who came to join us. (Their precise words!) 4. Play and Replay the Yechi saying by the boy. Watch… Read more »
It was so Buitfuel seeing everyone standing באחדות idespite the diffeant of Opinions truly a big נחת רוח for the rebbe . I’m sure this is what the rebbe meant .. That chassidim through אחדות will over come everything & greet moshiach !
The atmosphere of Achdus was amazing.
In my view, the only ones who were not pleased were the websites and tabloids. They were unhappy to not have any ‘juicy news’ (=politics) to report about.
Think about it: we had a beautiful parade, and only positive news and feelings followed.
We need MUCH more such events!!! One chabad. One Rebbe.
It was really organized and well thought out. The setup was amazing. There could have been more screens, though. As befitting Lag Ba’omer, it was touching to see the community come together in achdus with respect for one another regardless of political view.
The event was great – the entertainment, the seating was well organized, the floats and marching.
Some of the children got a little restless after sitting for so long, and also could not see the screen well. Also the plane with the banner was distracting and brought unpleasant machlokes to the event.
I’m not totally anti-yechi – we are all chabad but it rings empty – yes, alot of damage has been done to a point I now openly am against anything yellow at all unfortunately..they have accomplished the xact opposite for myself and many many others.
how said is their foresight!
The parade was beautiful – there is no words – it was very proffesional and ran wonderful – kudos to the NCFJE crew!
Which Lubavitch are you living in?! Anyone which I not comfortable with the idea if the Rebbe being Moshiach is not a Chossid of the Rebbe. Through out all generations chassidim considered their Rebbe Moshiach. If we are in Crown Heights amongst Lubavitchers there is no need to refrain from saying the truth. If there were misnagdishe schools it would be understood that we avoid it, since it doesn’t sit we’ll by them. But when unfirtunately there are only Lubavitchers by the parade it’s a must to express that our Rebbe is Moshiach. Unless you are part of these new… Read more »
We need Achdus!! So happy to see that everyone agrreed to it, and it was allowed to happen, with no fights etc that would just make a chilul lubavitch!!
GO LEVI MENTZ!
All in all was a great sense of unity and a very nice parade!!
Very Happy that Yechi was said without any fighting or strife breaking out!! ACHDUS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING!!!
So even if you dont agree with someone elses beliefs, dont fight over it!!
thank you Rabbi Hecht!!! It was so organized. Hazalah was all there and ready if god forbid something happened thank you . Was so impressed and proud of who we r
I was so happy to see it happen b’achdus!
IT WAS AN AMAZING PARADE!!! SUCH ACHDUS AND UNITY!! and to all those complaining bout the Yechi move on in life, if you dont belive in it no one forced you to say it but dont overreact over someone else saying it. There was nothing wrong with saying Yechi at the parade, it was done in a very respectable way and was very moving to see the kid say it without shame! And the fact is Yechi was said by the parades and before the rebbe, and there are even videos where the Rebbe encourages the singing! So how can… Read more »
where bais rivkah eleemntary was seated, it woudl have been very hepful to have a big video screen for them to see. they enjoyed it none-the-less
A large group on the mens side were not able to see the stage nor the screen! The parade should end at Albany and Union next year.
i really enjoyed it
this parade i must say was the most beautiful parade ever! and to all those who even make mention of “OMG THEY SAID YECHI” please do everyone a favor and get a life! im sorry, but lets put “tzfatyisim” aside, yechi was always a proclamation said before our Rebbe by parades and in general as well. and if you don’t like it, then tell that to gantz lubavitch who used to say it in front of the Rebbe by parades. you can even hear Rabbi j.j. Hecht say on the video:”and now for yechi…” so again just do everyone a… Read more »
They could have used 8th Day again
Would have been great with them
Gentleman, why must we cater to the most fringe element of our community? 90% of us do not want yechi. It’s 2013. Enough pandering to the meshichist faction whose numbers B”H decrease with each passing year.
i loooooooooved it. it was beautiful, meaningful, emotional, i loved that benny talked about sholom mordechai halevi , ben rivka rubashkin, i looooooved the ani maamin, for those that had negative comments…BH all of chabad was represented, in a beautiful and eidel and achdussdike way. kol hakavod to the organizers, your work was very appreciated, it was a colossal undertaking and you did it with flying colors, the talent of our youth, (bais rivka float, oholei torah zal float..) the marching bands, everything, it was WOW, and i really want to thank the people of NCFJE and everyone that helped… Read more »
very loud! need to put them in the service lane further away from our dear babies! Imagine if you were seated right next to them – ouch! poor ears..
The Garbage cans were removed for safety reasons. After the Boston Bombing the police did an amaizing job ( and with syato dishmaio) securing the place as much as possible.
Thank you organizers, it was a beautiful event the sense of achdus was incredible. The lines for the rides were just way too long, I would recommend to rent rides that more children can go on at a time. Since each bounce house was only able to accommodate up to four children at time. I would suggest doing the rides again at which 10-20 children can ride per time. Thank you again
I loved the fact that each song Benny Friedman sang had a reason and thought was put into it. ( Yesh Tikva for Rubaskin,I am a Jew and proud for Release time) It made the whole thing so toichendik.
the marching was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to long btw time beis rivka walked there was HALF the amount of ppl there and did anyone know that beis chaya mushka walked? i stayed and saw there were like maybe a quarter of the amout there
the tznies between the men and women was much better then other years thank you
One of the biggest donors to the parade made a stipulation that he will only give the money if yechi was said.
It could use a better and more poised emcee… The Rabbi at the microphone seemed unsettled; shouting at people and disorganized.
I was so moved I had to hold back my tears. The achdus and smiles on peoples faces were wonderful. The weather was a huge added brocho. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
I had to stand up with my family to see the whole parade. and no one had enough kindness to get up, and lend me a seat. pls add more seats next yr. besides that- kol hakavod!
I think it was very organized, I came with my chabad house and everyone was extremely impressed. It was a real kiddish hashem in every way! Thank you to all those who organized the event! I can’t even imagine what a difficult job you have putting such an event together but I think your hard work truly paid of so yad her koach! Looking forward to next year:)
The rest of it was just great!
I agree.
need more rides appropriate for under 6 year olds so that the lines won’t be crazy.
parade spectacula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Is it poss to put some screens facing the other way for those walking or running after kids who won’t sit still or perched on the other side of the street not sitting on prepared chairs.Thank you again Rabbi Shimon and NCFJE
The achdus, the organization, the pride, was all so beautiful!
instead of dropping it on the floor? it’s an opportunity to teach your kids not to be lazy and to do the right thing by waiting till they pass by a trash bin instead of polluting the neighborhood.
I was extremely upset that yechie was said, and that an inappropriate banner flew across the sky.
Also, the marching was too long of a walk for little kids.
The performances were awesome!
We really enjoyed it and we appreciate all the planning and organizing that went into the event. Next time please make sure to have a few garbage cans in a few areas so there will be a place for adults and children to put their garbage in instead of dropping it on the ground :). thank you!
i must say that when ‘Yechi’ was recited 3 times i really felt that the Rebbe is alive. it brought chills running through my body