Posted to Chabad News on

Los Angeles Mitzvah Tank Parade First in 16 Years

Last Tuesday a few LA bochrim sat down, having just returned from their yeshivas abroad for Pesach break. Together they decided to make a mitzvah tank parade in their hometown. It would to be the first mitzvah tank parade in over 16 years to hit the streets of Los Angeles.

The small group of bochrim got to work. There was lots of planning, fundraising and advertising to do: RVs, signs, t-shirts… the works. The bochurim organized every last detail in this great effort to give the Rebbe the most special birthday present. With the combined help of Kol Yakov Yehuda – the Rebbe’s diamond Daveners – and its director Rabbi Mendel Duchman, some members of Anash, and the Mitzvah Tank offices in New York, Miami and Toronto, they were able to pull off this beautiful parade in just one week’s time!

Yud Alef Nissan was a glorious day outside. Over 300 boys and girls piled into Cheder Menachem’s auditorium to participate in a children’s rally. Rabbi Mendel Greenbaum began by inspiring the children about how important this day is, and how impressive it was for all of them to come together for the Rebbe’s birthday. Joining with the Rebbe’s rally in front of 770 Eastern Parkway via hook-up, the children beamed as one of their own boys recited the Rebbe’s kapitol in New York. The rally continued with the announcing of the new ranks of each member of Tzivos Hashem, as each soldier stood up and saluted. There were 12 Pesukim, and an inspiring story of the Rebbe told over by Rabbi Mendel Hecht.

LA’s Tzivos Hashem director Rabbi Heidingsfeld concluded the rally with a grand raffle. Then men, women and children went outside to see the five mitzvah Tanks off as they began their journey parading through the streets of the city.

Starting on La Cieniga Boulevard, the tanks made their way up Pico Blvd., a popular Jewish area. Making a right turn onto Beverlywood Drive, then a left turn onto Wilshire, the Parade entered Beverly Hills. They then turned onto Rodeo Drive, and from there the tanks split up to go to their pre-determined locations: the Beverly Hills public schools, UCLA Campus, downtown Los Angeles, the world renowned Grove shopping center and Larchmont Blvd.

Over 2,000 Matzos were distributed, along with Passover guides, Tzivos Hashem “Kidz” Magazines and Shabbos candles. Many Jewish men put on Tefillin as well.

Related Articles

12 Comments