JEWISH FESTIVITIES @ WANTAGH PARK for residents of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh!

In partnership with the Jewish Committee on Scouting of Theodore Roosevelt Council and Boy Scouts of America, the Chabad Center for Jewish Life presents their 4th Annual LAG Ba’OMER FAMILY FUN DAY at the Fire Ring in Wantagh Park on Sunday, May 18th!
“Lag BaOmer is one of the most enjoyable Jewish celebrations,” says Rabbi Shimon Kramer, director of Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh. “It actually commemorates the passing of a great Jewish leader, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, but is celebrated in a positive, upbeat way, as Rabbi Shimon willed it.”


Lag BaOmer, which falls this year on Sunday, May 18, is a festive day on the Jewish calendar, celebrated with outings, bonfires, and other joyous events. Many visit the resting place of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, Israel, whose Yahrzeit(anniversary of his passing) the day marks. On the day of his passing, Rabbi Shimon instructed his disciples to mark the date as "the day of my joy."

Each Lag Ba’Omer we celebrate Rabbi Shimon's life and the revelation of the esoteric soul of Torah, which continues to be an inspiration to the Jewish People.
Lag Ba’Omer also commemorates another joyous event. In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot a plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva “because they did not act respectfully towards each other.” On Lag Ba’Omer the dying ceased. Thus Lag Ba’Omer also carries the theme of ‘Ahavat Yisrael’, the imperative to love and respect one's fellow.


 To celebrate, come out on Sunday, May 18th, from 4:30-6:30 pm for a delightful outing together with family and friends. There will be sports, field games & relays with Winkie of Jumpbunch; Jewish crafts; music, songs and stories around the bonfire; smores hot off the fire; raffle, prizes & more! Delicious Kosher BBQ & food will be available for purchase!


 This event takes place on Sunday, May 18th from 4:30-6:30 pm and is open to the entire community at no charge! Bring your own camp chairs, blanket and warm jackets. For more information, contact Chanie at 516-833-3057 or email programs@chabadjewishlife.org or visit the website: ChabadJewishLife.org/bonfire