Dozens of Israeli backpackers joined local community members for a Lag B’Omer celebration sponsored by Sydney, Australia’s Yeshiva Centre.

After a night filled with a bonfire, barbeque, magic show and live music, the Jewish community turned to a daytime children’s rally sponsored by the local chapter of Tzivos Hashem, the Chabad-Lubavitch children’s organization.

The holiday of Lag B’Omer, which was celebrated on Monday night and Tuesday this year, marks the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who is credited with authoring the foundational Kabbalistic text known as the Zohar.


A bonfire organized by Sydney’s Yeshiva Centre, the New South Wales headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch, lit up the winter sky.


Israeli backpackers joined local community members for the Lag B’Omer celebration.


Children occupied a prime role in the celebrations.


The evening included dancing around the bonfire.


On Tuesday, a children’s rally sponsored by Tzivos Hashem, the Chabad-Lubavitch children’s organization, included a parade and carnival at a Sydney-area park.


The children donned hats and played tambourines.


The festivities at Centennial Park included games and a picnic lunch.