On Sunday May 2^nd, many families joined together to celebrate Lag B’Omer at Bayonet Park, in Holmdel, NJ.   The festive program , sponsored by Chabad House of Holmdel-Colts Neck, and Cong. Sons of Israel, featured rides, moon walks, face-painting, and sports games.    In addition a festive bar-b-que served Glatt kosher hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, and a variety of finger-foods.

The traditions of Lag B’Omer commemorate a miracle 2,000 years ago in the days of Rabbi Akiva, when a terrible plague miraculously was halted, and thousands of disciples of Rabbi Akiva were able to survive.   One of the most famous disciples, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, later had to hide from the oppressive Roman empire,  and hid with his son in  a cave for a period of 13 years.    Later, Rabbi Shimon, knowing that this date would be his day of passing, decreed that all future Lag B’omers should be celebrated with joy and happiness, commemorating the life and teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Chabad House joined with thousands of other outdoor programs, and invited local residents to celebrate this important date, by spending family time outdoors (commemorating Rabbi Shimon’s living in a cave) and combining the themes of Torah, Tefillah, and Tzedaka.  In addition to the rides and numerous sports games, the assembled crowd heard the story of Lag B’omer. They recited   verses of the Torah, gave charity, and prayed the Mincha (afternoon) service together.