The Tidewater Jewish community was fired up on Thursday, May 3 for its annual Lag B’Omer Bash. This year’s event, hosted by the Simon Family JCC, the Young Adult Division of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, and Chabad of Tidewater, attracted nearly 200 people for an evening of celebration and fun.
Tidewater families of all ages roasted marshmallows over a traditional Lag B’Omer bon fire while dancing to Israeli music by DJ Silver. Other activities included hula-hoops, basketball, and three bounce houses.
Kona Ice truck joined for the celebration along with a cotton candy machine, served by community member and volunteer, Malka Rudin. The bonfire was created with the help of community member and volunteer, Shawn Lemke. Chabad of Tidewater served a cookout of hamburgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob, and watermelon.
Lag B’Omer is celebrated on the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer, which occurs on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. This day marks the hillula (anniversary of the death) of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, and serves as a break in a mourning period that spans the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot. Lag B’Omer customs include the lighting of bonfires, pilgrimages to the tomb of Bar Yochai in the northern Israeli town of Meron, and various customs at the tomb itself.
Next year’s bash which will take place on Thursday, May 23 at the Simon Family JCC.