The Morristown community marked Lag BaOmer with a parade featuring a float of children doing mitzvahs, music from a children’s marching band, handmade artwork displaying the Ten Mivtzoim, and a surprise appearance by clowns in chicken costumes.

The echoing sounds of a marching band were heard throughout the quaint town of Morristown as the students of Cheder Lubavitch Morristown prepared for the big parade. Suddenly, like a gift from the Rebbe and in the merit of the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the forecasted rain subsided and the sun peaked out as the students all crowded in the large field for the rally.

Rabbi Hecht, a proud Cheder parent, ran an exceptionally lively rally as Master of Ceremonies, energizing the students with his dynamic presence and jubilant spirit. The children responded with enthusiasm, their excitement building as the parade preparations continued.

Escorted by a police contingent, and accompanied by a fully outfitted marching band comprised of kita zayin, the boys and girls of Cheder paraded proudly around the neighborhood surrounding the Rabbinical College of America campus. This made a tremendous Kiddush Hashem.

Led by the incredible Morahs and rebbes, students marched with handmade signs depicting the Ten Mivtzoim and other inspirational Torah messages. The kita zayin class in the girls division designed and built a float of kinderlach doing mitzvahs that will bring Moshiach.

The parade featured a delightful surprise when a Mustang driven by clowns and bochrim in chicken costumes suddenly appeared, drawing cheers and laughter from the students and onlookers alike. This unexpected addition brought extra joy to the celebration, perfectly capturing the festive spirit of Lag BaOmer.

In what seemed like Divine timing, as the last student entered the building following the parade, the heavens opened and rain poured down – having held off precisely for the duration of the celebration.

A special thank you to Rabbi and Mrs. Baila Piekarski for her hours of planning to make this parade a reality.

Participating in Lag BaOmer parades holds special significance, the Lubavitcher Rebbe strongly encouraged these celebrations, seeing them as opportunities to instill Jewish pride in children from a young age. The Rebbe taught that when children march publicly and joyfully as proud Jews, it not only strengthens their own Jewish identity but also inspires the broader community. 

One young student shared, “Marching in the parade made me feel special to be Jewish.”.

For almost 50 years, Cheder Lubavitch Morristown has been educating the next generation of Chabad leaders. We pride ourselves in providing the caring and nurturing environment that is so critically needed to properly cultivate such precious neshamas. This parade, which the students spent weeks planning, is a demonstration of how Cheder Lubavitch Morristown is a special place for young boys and girls to develop a sense of positivity and pride for Torah and to gain confidence in their ability to shine in the Torah world.

VIDEO: