Rain Doesn’t Dampen Spirit of Montreal Parade

Sunshine or rain, Sunday or in middle of the week, Montreal always holds a Lag BaOmer Parade with much fanfare. This year was no different.

The Chabad community in Montreal, one of the only cities in the world which has a grand Lag BaOmer Parade whether it falls on a Sunday or in middle of the week, celebrate the yahrzeit of the Rashbi with much fanfare.

1,000 people of all ages showed up in the rain  for the event that began in front of the Cote S. Luc city hall, in a display of Jewish unity and pride, as instructed by the Rebbe.

Young students recited the 12 Pesukim followed by greetings from Chabad Dayan Rabbi Banon and elected officials. 10 car floats and a Creative float prepared by bochurim of the Yeshiva Zal went by.

Children marched and held signs in both English and French calling to “Learn Torah” and “Love your fellow Jew,” as they walked down Cavendish boulevard to Wager Park  for a fascinating circus show. Inflatable rides and raffles concluded yet another Lag BaOmer day in Montreal, surely to be remembered for years to come.

Chabad activist Rabbi Dovid Cohen, the organizer, was the MC and greeted participants to the festival, honoring Rabbi Shimon bar Yochei’s yahrzeit. He thanked the Head Shliach, Rabbi Berel Mochkin, for his leadership.

Over 15 inflatables, circus performers, pony rides, petting zoo, horse rides and train rides and free gifts awaited the excited and eager Jewish children.

A big thank you goes out to Hatomim Yisroel Cohen,  who came specially to town to coordinate the event, with the help of Zalmy Cohen, Mendy Heber, Chaim Heber and Mordechy Amzalag.