Grand Lag B’Omer Parade Highlights 50 Years of 12 Pesukim at Cheder Chabad of Baltimore

Lag B’Omer at Cheder Chabad of Baltimore was nothing short of extraordinary, as hundreds gathered for a powerful rally and vibrant parade centered around the Rebbe’s twelve pesukim, marking fifty years since their introduction.

The program opened in a packed room arranged with over 400 chairs, quickly filled to standing room only. Parents, community members, and visiting schools including Tashbar and Tamim Academy of Howard County joined together for the special occasion, with many later commenting on how meaningful and well-planned the experience felt from beginning to end.

Rabbi Elchonon Chaikin, CEO of Cheder Chabad, welcomed the crowd and spoke about the profound significance of Lag B’Omer and the central place the children’s rallies and parades held for the Rebbe.

Tehillim was led by sixth-grade student Mendel Raichik, followed by the recitation of the twelve pesukim by students from the Gan, Girls School, and Boys School. Each possuk was brought to life through thoughtful presentations explaining its meaning, alongside creative projects commemorating fifty years since the Rebbe launched this initiative. The visuals were beautifully created by Mrs. Chanie Tenenbaum, adding a powerful and engaging dimension to the program.

Tzedakah in multiples of eighteen was distributed by Mrs. Chani Raskin, while music and niggunim uplifted the atmosphere under the leadership of Rabbi Eli Solomon and sixth-grade rebbi Rabbi Mendel Chazan. A captivating story about the power of Rashbi was delivered by board member and parent Rabbi Matisyahu Friedman, who held the audience spellbound.

A special highlight was the raffle led by Rabbi Sorkin, awarding a hoverboard to boys who participated in Mivtza Hachana by learning and presenting a sicha in honor of Lag B’Omer. The winner of the hoverboard was eighth-grade student Levik Pewzner.

The excitement continued outdoors with the parade, featuring two marching bands. A standout moment was the elementary boys division led by Rabbi Wilansky, together with the kindergarten, who appeared in full custom attire and performed a special routine that delighted the crowd.

Students from the Girls School proudly marched with banners and artwork illustrating the pesukim, while a particularly impressive feature was the fifth-grade boys’ float, led by their rebbi Rabbi Sholom Cohen, showcasing a model of 770 alongside the twelve pesukim. The float was driven by parent Rabbi Sholom Zirkind.

Adding to the unity of the parade, even the youngest children took part, with little babies being pushed along in strollers by their teachers, ensuring that every student was included in the celebration.

Special thanks were extended to Rabbi Chezky Tenenbaum and Sergeant William Currie for escorting the parade and ensuring the safety of all participants.

During the parade, middle school girls joined students from Chabad Girls High School in nearby fields for a meaningful program led by Mrs. Chaikin, which included learning, games, and a concluding kumzitz.

Parents shared how much the program resonated with their children. Mushky B. of Tamim Academy noted how much the visiting students enjoyed being included and had a wonderful time. Chana W. described the event as “such a beautiful program,” adding that every detail, from the rally to the parade and even the activities afterward, felt carefully thought out. Gavi F. expressed how meaningful it was for her daughter to take part, sharing how excited she was to say her possuk and calling the rally and parade “incredible” and “beautiful.”

Following the parade, each department continued with their own Lag B’Omer activities, rounding out a day filled with energy, unity, and inspiration. Teachers noted how smoothly the day ran thanks to the extensive preparation behind the scenes, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the experience.

The school expressed appreciation to Mr. Neal Gerstman for preparing the building to accommodate the large crowd.

A special thank you to Mrs. Raices, Mrs. Rochel Ceitlin, Mrs. Millrod, and Rabbi Adam Brooker, as well as to all the dedicated rebbi’s and moros across the school for their hard work and devotion in making the day such a success. A special thank you as well to the many boys in the middle school who assisted in setting up the parade.

From the opening rally to the final activities, Lag B’Omer at Cheder Chabad was a true celebration of achdus, chinuch, and the enduring impact of the Rebbe’s vision.

Photo Credit: Yosef Weil