Lag BaOmer Parades with the Rebbe

Excerpts from a 1983 recording of the Lag B’Omer parade at Lubavitch World Headquarters, Brooklyn, New York.

Children gather to celebrate the holiday of Lag B’Omer. Excerpts from a 1983 recording of the grand parade with the Rebbe at Lubatvitch World Headquarters, Brooklyn, New York.

Excerpts from a 1984 satellite feed from Lubavitch World Headquarters, Brooklyn, New York.

Children gather to celebrate the holiday of Lag B’Omer. Excerpts from a 1984 satellite feed from Lubatvitch World Headquarters, Brooklyn, New York.

A collage of Lag BaOmer parades spanning five decades, accompanied by a special recording of the niggun “Hinei Mah Tov.”

Lag B’omer celebrates the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and is a time to draw inspiration from his life’s work. Rabbi Shimon’s Torah study was so great that it was his “occupation,” a level unattained even by his greatest peers. But how, then, is a young child to attempt to emulate him?

On Lag B’omer, Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai proclaimed: “This is the day of my rejoicing!” He also requested every Jew to share in his joy, so his own delight is increased when he sees many Jews rejoicing together.

The Talmud tells us that 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva died because “they did not treat one another with respect.” But the plague ended on Lag BaOmer, which means they had remedied their actions and began to treat each other with the appropriate level of esteem.

Torah instructs Jewish children: If you see another person who is in need, whether spiritually or physically, reach out to him with love and help him get free of his predicament. Then proceed together, growing from each other’s successes.

A grand Lag B’omer parade. After the crowds arrive and the 12 Pesukim are recited, the Rebbe addresses the children. The parade goes by the Rebbe with marching bands, U.S. soldiers, marvelous floats and happy children.

The Rebbe participates in a Lag B’omer parade.

The Rebbe participates in the 1976 Lag B’omer Parade.

The Rebbe participates in an early Lag B’omer Parade.

Vintage footage of the 1957 Lag B’omer Parade in front of 770.

A vintage film. Children gather at 770 for a Lag B’omer parade. The Rebbe addresses the children, and reviews and encourages their march up the road.

The Rebbe drives by the Lag B’omer fair and waves to the many joyous children.

"May it be Your will, L-rd our G-d and G-d of our fathers, that the Holy Temple be speedily rebuilt in our days, and grant us our portion in Your Torah."

On his way to the Ohel, the Rebbe’s car passes the Lag B’omer carnival on Empire Boulevard.

The Rebbe participates in the 1970 Lag B’omer parade in front of 770.

Brief highlights from the 1984 Lag B’Omer parade and gathering with the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

An address at the 1967 Lag BaOmer Parade, less than a week before the Six-Day War. G-d is protecting your brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, but you have the unique privilege to help them . . .

Celebration of Lag B’omer, 5744, as captured by the lens of Sholom Ber Goldstein.