10,000 Parade in South Florida

Photos: Mendy Bleier

From the Holy Land of Israel to the streets of New York, from glitzy Los Angeles to sunny South Florida, hundreds of thousands of Jews gathered this past Sunday, April 28 to participate in special Lag B’omer celebrations.

One of the biggest Lag B’omer celebrations took place this year in Hallandale Beach, Florida where more than 10,000 people showed up at Gulfstream Park. Hallandale Beach is centrally located in the heart of South Florida between Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. In a united effort, headed by contributions from the Shul of Bal Harbour, Chabad of the Grove, Chabad of South Broward and Florida’s main office in Miami Beach, nearly 100 South Florida Chabad Centers came together to offer their version of the ‘Great Parade’.

Under the glow of the bright Florida sun, scores of men, women and children lined up for their free customized neon colored Great Parade t-shirt and then enjoyed a day filled of festivities beginning with a beautiful parade featuring colorful floats, dancing clowns and marching bands.

As traffic came to a complete halt on Biscayne Boulevard, thousands of spectators looked on as Rabbi Mendy Levy of the Shul guided the marchers northbound on US1 to the main stage constructed in Gulfstream’s Orange Parking Lot. Everyone there took shelter under a massive 13,000 square foot structured tent, rented especially for the day’s event. Free bottles of water were distributed throughout the day by Florida’s Hatzalah.

The crowd was first greeted by Florida’s head Shliach, Rabbi Abraham Korf, who encouraged the implementing of A Moment of Silence in the Public Schools. Emcee, Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus announced that a historic printing of the Tanya was taking place on site, commemorating the 200th year of the Histalkus of the Alter Rebbe. A special children’s rally was then led by event co-director, Rabbi Shmuly Gutnick of Florida’s Chabad Youth Network. Children recited the 12 Pesukim on stage, echoed by the thousands in attendance.

Following the short rally, event organizer, Rabbi Pinny Andrusier introduced Jewish stars Shloime Dachs and Yossi Bayles who took turns delighting the crowd with lively Jewish tunes. As the music played, children of all ages jumped throughout the giant lot to enjoy the more than 50 rides and games, all free of charge. Highlighting the day’s fun was the featured ride, a giant 200 foot zip line.

Daniel Tila Cohen, 15, of West Hollywood could not believe that the zip line was free. “My dad took me to a carnival a few months ago and they wanted so much money just to ride this thing. Chabad is the best. They really know how to throw a party!”

“The line was long but it was so worth it,” said Michael Brodsky, 12, of Boca Raton.

In addition to the rides, concert and parade, guests milled about to the many vendors offering merchandise such as sports themed kippas and scooter rentals.

Jared Freeman of Cooper City purchased an Oklahoma City Thunder yarmulka. “I am trying to collect the entire NBA. I already have the Heat, Brooklyn Nets and L.A. Clippers,” he explained.

A special acknowledgement was made to Chabad of South Broward’s Rabbi Mordy Feiner and Rabbi Levi Tennenhaus who worked tirelessly with the city of Hallandale Beach to obtain all the necessary permits and secure the premises.

The event coordinators were very pleased and admired the day’s overwhelming success.

“Today we witnessed an incredible sense of unity, but next year, Lag B’omer falls once again on Sunday, May 18, and we guarantee it will be even bigger and better,” promised Rabbi Pinny.

With his exuberant smile Rabbi Gutnick agreed. “With Chabad you always have to strive for more. Next year, more floats, more rides and G-d willing, at least 25,000 people.”

For pictures and more information on future events, www.JewishUnityParade.com and ChabadofFlorida.com