Lag Ba’omer Celebrated at Mitteler Rebbe’s Gravesite

As Ukraine gears up for national elections, tensions run high and military road blocks have become a fact of life. Thoughts of referendums, annexation and war are on everyone’s minds.

At this sensitive time, several members of the Jewish community of Chernigov, led by Rabbi Yisroel Silberstein, made the 1 ½ hour trip to Nyezhin, in the Chernigov region, to celebrate Lag Ba’omer at the resting place of Rabbi Dov Ber, the second Chabad Rebbe, also known as the Mitteler Rebbe.

As recorded in the Hayom Yom, Lag Ba’omer was a truly special holiday in the Mitteler Rebbe’s court, a day on which he performed many miracles.

On Sunday, the Ukrainian Jews appreciated every second of their chance to pray for their future and the future of their country.

“Visiting the Rebbe in Nyezhin”, explained Avner, 45, “gives me the energy to keep going until next year, next Lag Ba’omer, when I will again be able to make the trip to the ohel again.”

Later, the community enjoyed a delicious barbeque picnic, exciting activities for the children, and outdoor fun. The talk on the bus ride home, however, was all about inspiration and resolutions for the future. Children talked eagerly about the upcoming summer camp. One mother made plans for Bat Mitzvah lessons for a group of girls. Some men discussed what they can do to encourage more of their friends to attend the Shabbos minyan.

The Jews of Chernigov, the Mitteler Rebbe’s community, prayed for many miracles this Lag Ba’omer. Perhaps the greatest one that occurred was the shot in the arm, the boost of energy, inspiration and unity that they received.

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