Lag BaOmer Parades with the Rebbe

Lag B’omer celebrates the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and is a time to draw inspiration from his life’s work. Rabbi Shimon’s Torah study was so great that it was his “occupation,” a level unattained even by his greatest peers. But how, then, is a young child to attempt to emulate him?

The Talmud tells us that 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva died because "they did not treat one another with respect." But the plague ended on Lag B'omer, which means they had remedied their actions and began to treat each other with the appropriate level of esteem.

Torah instructs Jewish children: If you see another person who is in need, whether spiritually or physically, reach out to him with love and help him get free of his predicament. Then proceed together, growing from each other’s successes.

A grand Lag B’omer parade. After the crowds arrive and the 12 Pesukim are recited, the Rebbe addresses the children. The parade goes by the Rebbe with marching bands, U.S. soldiers, marvelous floats and happy children.

The Rebbe participates in a Lag B’omer parade.

The Rebbe participates in the 1976 Lag B’omer Parade.

The Rebbe participates in an early Lag B’omer Parade.

A vintage film. Children gather at 770 for a Lag B’omer parade. The Rebbe addresses the children, and reviews and encourages their march up the road.

The Rebbe drives by the Lag B’omer fair and waves to the many joyous children.

"May it be Your will, L-rd our G-d and G-d of our fathers, that the Holy Temple be speedily rebuilt in our days, and grant us our portion in Your Torah."