By Robert Kalfus
Lag BaOmer, the minor Jewish holiday, was celebrated May 26th, this past Sunday. The holiday’s name refers to the 33rd night and day of counting from the second night of Passover, marking the progression of the Hebrews leaving their Exodus of slavery in Egypt, to seven weeks later, when on the 50th day, they received the Torah at the foot of Mount Sinai, celebrated with the festival of Shavuot (weeks).
Many Jewish synagogues and communities celebrate Lag BaOmer with traditional bonfires, childrens’ games, bow and arrow, Israeli food and salads, kosher marshmallows burnt to a crisp, burgers, frankfurters, french fries, pickles, potato chips and BBQ.
At Chabad of Yonkers, Rabbi Yoel Hurwitz created a giant cotton candy shape resembling a traditional ‘streimel’ to place on the head of his brother, Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz, head of Chabad of Yonkers, who urged many men to wrap tefillin on their arms and forehead and recite blessings, with the help of his son, Haim Hurwitz. For information on activities, contact Chabad of Yonkers at (914) 963-8888 or Rabbi@JewishYonkers.com.
Northeast Jewish Center’s Rabbi Craig Glasser manned the industrial size grills located outside, and cooked all the hamburgers, frankfurters, delicious roast chicken, and also served French fries, potato salad, pickles, potato chips and the usual BBQ foods, with options for vegan eaters. Kosher marshmallows cooked over a safe bonfire and watermelon were served for dessert.
Almost 100 people enjoyed sitting outdoors in dry, warm weather, seeing the stars in the sky come out and the musical stars of Pey Dalid’s non-stop musical performance bringing “the fire of HaShem to the world” which moved some to dance, and almost everyone to sing and clap to their favorite musical numbers.Guitarist Shlomo Walker explained the band’s name, saying “In Hebrew the letter, Pey represents the number 8, the spiritual and infinite, and Dalid represents the number 4, the physical and finite. Our music bridges the core of those dualities, connecting not only with our Jewish brothers and sisters but with all people throughout the world.”
Based in Yonkers, Pey Dalid has performed as a band for more than two decades, is available for all types of events, and has three studio albums.
Learn about the Yonkers synagogue’s events and services at (914) 337-0268 and at https://www.NortheastJewishCenter.org.
