More than 10,000 at FL’s Lag B’Omer Unity Parade

In South Florida, more than 100 Chabad Centers, joined ranks to sponsor the largest Lag B’Omer Parade and Fair in Florida history.

The Parade was on Hallandale Beach Blvd and culminated with a beautiful Unity Rally, Fair and Concert at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

The Parade was led by Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti, and Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper, who together with Major Cowley of the Hallandale Beach Police Department, State Senator Steve Geller and Governor Charlie Crist arranged that the six lane Boulevard, which is a State road, have several lanes closed for the half hour Parade.

As the parade arrived at Gulfstream Park, everyone took their seats, enjoyed ices and tzedaka was handed out. Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus introduced the Sheriff and the Mayor, Rabbi Abraham Korf, head Shliach of the State led Tehillim prayers for the Jewish people in Israel and for Sholom Mordechai HaLevi ben Rivka, Rabbi Leib Schapiro concluded the 28th cycle of the Mishne Torah of the Rambam and Rabbi Shalom Lipskar began the 29th cycle.

Rabbi Shmuly Gutnick then led the Rally by calling up the children from various schools who recited The Twelve Psukim , and cried out “We Want Moshiach, Now”!…a plea that resonated throughout Gulfstream Park, and remained with all Parade Participants as they headed home, joyous and sunburned from a Lag B’Omer that they will forever remember and cherish. After a presentation from the marching band and watching the gorgeous floats built by talented craftsmen each portraying different Judaic themes and mitzvoth, everyone was revved up and ready for an amazing time.

Thousands of children were treated to 50 unlimited amusement rides carnival booths, pony rides and much more set up for all to enjoy. A delicious BBQ served up sizzling hot dogs, burgers, and fries. For the kids there was popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy.

To round out the day long events; Israeli singing sensation, Gad Elbaz, accompanied by Skyfayah and Baylus orchestra, performed live in an incredible Lag B’Omer Concert, and a huge bonfire was enjoyed by all.

This was the spirit which pervaded Gulfstream Park, formerly the home of the Broward County Fairgrounds: Lag B’omer pride and joy, in a personification of true Jewish brotherhood.

Coordinating the entire event was Rabbi Pinny Andrusier, of Chabad of Southwest Broward, Rabbi Mendy Levy of the Shul of Bal Harbor, Rabbi Mordy Feiner, of Chabad of South Broward, Rabbi Mendy Ajzenszmidt, Rabbi Yanky Pearson & Rabbi Shmuly Gutnick of Chabad Youth Network of Florida.

A Special Thanks To, Rabi Zalman Korf, the Rabbinical students, the Seminary & High School girls, along with a team of dedicated Shluchim, led by Rabbi Abraham Korf, and to all those who helped make this happen.

More pictures by Mendy Bleier