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Behind the Face Paint and Polka Dots

On a normal day it’s mikvah bags, towels and rushing to be on time to chassidus after a good nights rest. But today is not a normal day. Today, those who made it to bed at all begin to stir early. They quickly finish their morning preparations and rush to join those who have been up all night. After a quick Davening and a danish, the day begins.

There won’t be Gemoros and Chasiddus today. Rashi will not argue with Tosfos and Chavrosos won’t be breaking the Rashba down. Today there will be a lot of red bull, sugar, jumping up and down, screaming and dancing.

Usually Reb Yisroel Freedmen’s classroom is full with bochurim and their seforim, but today a large worn box of costumes is dropped off as the guys start to arrive. As hats and jackets are removed the atmosphere in the room transitions to what you may find in the dressing room of the circus. One bochur becomes the makeup artist while others become wardrobe assistants. While some dress in old ill fitting clown costumes others get into chicken jumpsuits their dads sweated in decades ago. Pockets full with candy, big red smiles painted on there faces and a bit of ‘hydration’ and the clowns are ready for the Lag Baomer Parade!!!

Commercial Photographer Avrohom Perl spent Sunday morning at Oholei Torah photographing the bochurim as they dressed up for the Lag Baomer parade. You can see more of his work on his website or follow him on Facebook.

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13 Comments

  • LOVE IT!!!

    What great visuals!

    Also, yasher koach to all of the bochurim who are the iconic FUN of the parade each year.

  • Coulrophobia

    Do you know what “Coulrophobia” is? Let me tell you, it is nothing to clown about. Mt children are terrified of clowns, and that is no laughing matter. Please be sensitive when I or other mothers ask you to keep your distance from our kids. Some children and adults are simply terrified of clowns. No kidding.

    • Respond to parents

      I think you are just a paranoid parent,
      Which is a very good thing.
      But I think you should understand as well, that these boys are gonna b reading this article too, with all it’s comments.

      Now tell me: why does a 100% innocent bochur have to read ur post and think that this is what the ppl think of me???
      “Nebach” on the poor bochur!!!
      He agreed to give over his time and energy, kochus, and what not, just for the sake of the rebbe and his parad,
      Why?
      I’ll tell you:
      In order that YOUR KID can enjoy it, and get another smile to his face.

      Now tell me, is that the THANK YOU they deserve!?

      In any case (the lesson is), think three times b4 u ever Wright anything negative.

      And to you clowns: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!
      It’s you guys who make It happen…
      So modestly giving your selfs over not getting any announcements made for you by parad.
      Thanks again!

  • Chicken

    Hey! Where is AVREMY GERLITZKY?
    …he was the best, and hardest working clown, in my humble opinion,
    …and NO! I’m not related, I just think he deserves a lot of credit!!
    Love you souppy!!!

  • would have been nice...

    if the photographer was honest about his intention to post those pictures when asking the boys to pose.

    • Clown

      He told me very clearly to assume it would be on all the websites.

      Thats why I did not agree to have my photo taken.

  • To #7

    theres nothing wrong with asking a clown not to approach YOUR child cuz hes scared of clowns! Dont take so personal!