Great Parade Takes Released Time by Storm

The Released Time program is gearing up in a very big way for this year’s great parade. Hundreds of Jewish public school children and their Released Time teachers are in high-gear and driven to really make this year’s Lag Ba’omer Parade an unforgettable one, as it’ll be the last time Lag Ba’omer coincides with a Sunday in four years.

As the parade is getting closer, close to a thousand families are being called by the dedicated teachers of the released time program in order to personally invite them to the parade.

 Yanky Teitelbaum and his camera crew were up and about last Wednesday capturing footage of the pure souls at work, as they were preparing for the Great Parade as part of a special surprise video to debut at the parade – introducing the released time children, who have always been the heart and soul of the parade. Following the introduction, Benny Friedman will usher-in the multitude of Released Time children with a unique music presentation dedicated to the group.

“We’ve existed so long, ’cause the Torah kept us strong. The Torah will never disappear, oh no!” will be heard by hundreds of singing Jewish public school children. “This was the highlight of my Lag Ba’omer,” said one Released Time alumnus. “It reminded me of the cookies and prizes, and the warm teachings our Rabbi taught us then.”

Many of the children already got a taste of the parade when clowns and chicken-mascots showed-up this passed Wednesday at Released Time to promote and bring attention to the largest outdoor Jewish event in New York City.

Do be sure to catch a glimpse of them next Sunday as they march through the blocked-off streets of Eastern Parkway, with their individual posters that they themselves made, to demonstrate and display their Jewish pride to the world.

Please spread the word. Everyone of every age is welcome at the Great Parade! If you know someone who’s currently enrolled in the Public School system of New York City, do share this article with them and invite them to this wonderful and free event, Sunday, May 18. Visit jewishhour.org for more information.