Masses Gather at the Central Bonfire Lighting in Moscow
A sense of excitement and spiritual elevation filled the air as throngs from all across Moscow gathered to participate in the central and largest Lag BaOmer event. The immense gathering unified the community in a joyful celebration that lasted for hours, featuring spirited dancing and a festive farbrengen in honor of the great Tanna, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai zt”l.
The evening began with a festive Maariv and counting of the Omer “Hod sheb’Hod” at the central “Marina Roscha” shul. Standing at the omud was the youg shliach HaTamim Elazar Hillel Tzadik, in honor of his father’s fourth yortzeit. His father, Reb Ariel Tzadik o.b.m. was a known and beloved chasid in the Bayit VeGan neighborhood and a steadfast visitor to Meron. He was one of the forty five Kedoshim at the terrible Meron tragedy four years ago. Miraculously, his dear sons survived and continue their esteemed father’s lifelong mission in chinuch and chessed.
Upon completion of Maariv, the crowds marched festively towards the nearby grounds of the Shaarei Tzedek Chesed Center. There, the shul Gabbaim, in coordination with the Shaarei Tzedek Chesed Center, had set up plenty of tables and chairs, ensuring safe and appropriate seating as well as dancing space for all.
While HaTamim Yitzchak Lifshitz played heartstirring nigunnim on the keyboard, many approached the special podium in order to add olive oil and cotton to the barrel prepared for the bonfire. Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, Director of the Jewish Communities of Moscow opened the event by calling up HaTamim Elazar Hillel Tzadik to the stage to light the torch. Many wiped away tears as his father’s name was mentioned, as they remembered the forty five holy souls that were called up to the Heavenly Court on that Lag BaOmer four years ago, and connected to the merit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
Holding up the burning torch, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar spoke about the holiness of today, as the crowd sang “lekovod HaTana eloka Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai”. The crowd erupted in joyous dancing, led by talented musicians and singers who performed familiar niggunim. The Cheder Menachem Choir sang, led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Markowitz. The energy was palpable as guests danced with enthusiasm and unity, expressing their spiritual connection to this holy day.
Immediately following the hadlaka, a farbrengen was held, attended by hundreds of participants. Long tables were set with festive food, where families, friends, and guests shared words of Torah and stories of tzaddikim, immersing themselves in an atmosphere of kedusha and simcha. Throughout the evening more people joined after returning from Lag BaOmer events at various Chabad Houses and Jewish communities in the city.
Before and after the hadlaka, various Lag BaOmer parades and events took place throughout the city, organized by the many Chabad houses and Jewish institutions, bringing joy and inspiration to Jews of all ages.
The following morning, a grand children’s parade took place on the grounds of the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center. This special event included students from Jewish schools and institutions across the city. The children recited pesukim, davened together, and participated in exciting and meaningful activities to honor the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, as per the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s request and encouragement.
Photography: Levi Nazarov
