500 Join First Ever Great Lag B’Omer Parade in S. Francisco

For the first time in the 60 years of Chabad’s presence in S. Francisco, California, a full Lag B’omer Parade took place this Sunday, with 500 participants. The street in front of Bais Menachem Yeshiva Day school was blocked off as hundreds of men, woman and children from all walks of life and dozens of Shluchim gathered in unity for this special Lag Bomer celebration including words of Torah, Tefilla and Tzedaka.

As each guest arrived they were given a special 5784 Lag B’omer Tshirt as well as water and a special Lag B’omer cookie. 2nd grader Yosef Chanukov led the crowd with the Rebbes Kapital and a prayer for the hostages and our brothers and sisters in the holy land.

The event was emceed by Rabbi Gedalia Potash and words of inspiration on the theme of Lag B’omer, Unity and Israel Solidarity were shared by Hashliach, Rabbi Mendy Cohen (who traveled all the way from Sacramento with a busload of participants), Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi, Shliach and Rabbi of Congregation Chevra Thilim and Rabbi Joel Landa of Congregation Adath Israel. A large stage was set from which Torah Pesukim were recited by students of Bais Menachem, Pleasanton Cheder, Sacramento Mishna Club, Shluchim online school and many young Shluchim and Shluchos form around California. A fabulous concert was led by musician Ben Kramarz and the SingJam Band.

One of the highlights was the 36 foot LED screen which displayed clips of Lag B’omer by the Rebbe from 1984 and 1967. We also celebrated the Chalaka – Upshernish haircut of Aviel who just turned 3 years old. Security was provided by SFPD who were present with Police mounted horses.

After the formal program came the Parade. This parade was led by an LED truck broadcasting the Rebbe’s Lag B’omer message followed by amazing floats with the theme of Neshek, Tzedaka and Tefilin decorate by Bais Menachem middle school girls. After the floats came the marching band led by Rabbi Gerlitzky, Rabbi Barber and Bais Menachem middle school boys. After which hundreds of people from all the participating communities including Bais Menachem Yeshiva Day School, Chabad of Berkeley and Emeryville, Chabad of SF – Soma Shul and Pacific Heights, Chabad of the Neighborhood, Chabad of Cole Valley, Chabad of Noe Valley, Chabad of North S. Mateo County, Chabad of the Sunset & Student Center, Congregation Adath Israel, Congregation Chevra Thilim, Richmond Torah Center-Chabad, Russian Speaking Jewish, Community of SF Bay Area, Schneerson Center, Shalom School, The Cheder of the Bay and Torat Emet as well as many other shluchim marched with banners displaying Jewish pride and joy in the streets of S. Francisco.

The parade went all the way to Golden Gate Park where an over the top BBQ was enjoyed by all. There was also snow cones, cotton candy, moon bounce and magic show enjoyed by the children. People traveled from a 300 mile radius to be part of this event. It was truly an amazing day of achdus for the entire community and all of Northern California. The event was sponsored by the above mentioned organizations and spearheaded by Bais Menachem Yeshiva Day School under the auspices of Mrs. Chani Zarchi and Rabbi Gedalia Potash.

“We could not have been more happy with the way it turned out,” said Rabbi Potash. “We are grateful for all the community partners but most importantly we are so happy that the children got a real taste of Lag B’omer and a strong dose of Jewish pride as well as memories that will last a lifetime.”

P.S. Bais Menachem is currently looking for a few more couples to join as staff for their growing school please email bmydsoffice@gmail.com for more details.

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