On Thursday, May 23, 5:30 p.m., Chabad of Englewood will be hosting a family-fun event, in honor of the Jewish holiday of Lag B’Omer. Jews of all ages will come together to enjoy and partake in a delicious barbecue, in celebration of this joyous day. There will be pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, balloon twister, archery tag and Jewish crafts, which will round out the program. The Lag B’Omer celebration will be held at the park at Madison Ave. (behind the Roosevelt—380 Broad Ave) in Englewood, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Lag B’Omer commemorates the lives of two great sages, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and Rabbi Akiva. They both set examples of proud perseverance and dedication to the Torah and its teachings during the Roman occupation of Israel. It is a day of unity when family and friends join in harmony with acquaintances as well as strangers in accordance with the teachings of Rabbi Akiva that all people should respect each other. It is a joyous holiday following the instructions of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai to celebrate his passing. As they both lived their lives in the land of Israel, it is a proper time to show our camaraderie with the people who currently live in Israel and are fighting their own war against terrorism to survive. In modern Israel, Lag B’Omer is a school holiday. In many communities throughout the world, Lag B’Omer is commemorated with picnics and parades. On Lag B’Omer, we derive great inspiration from our scholars and heroes. “It’s a day of great joy for the Jewish people and a time to reflect on our roots and remember the great leaders who kept the flame of Judaism alive during difficult times,” said Rabbi Shmuel Konikov.
The Lubavitch Jewish Center is a branch of the Lubavitch/Chabad movement, an international chasidic organization under the leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. With over 3000 centers and establishments around the globe, it is by far the largest network of Jewish religious and social services in the world.
For further information on the above event, please visit ChabadEnglewood.com or call Rabbi Konikov at 386-212-6593.
