Plans Already Underway for Lag B’omer 5783

The Lag B’Omer Street Fair organized by NCFJE and MASK brought joy and unity to the Crown Heights and East Flatbush communities. Next year will mark 80 years since the first parade and 70 years since the first Lag B’Omer parade with the Rebbe, and plans are underway to grow from this year’s success.

This year’s Lag B’Omer Street Fair was a huge success by all metrics.

Thousands of children from Crown Heights and the growing East Flatbush communities enjoyed the rides in the park where the annual Lag B’Omer rally took place. The petting zoo (and the cute goat born just two weeks prior) was especially enjoyed by the tiny tots. All the children were treated to balloon animals and face painting, and ice cream was distributed to the children courtesy of the Tofutti company and the Mintz family.

The program was a joint venture between NCFJE, MASK, and the family of Dr. Leon Gersten A”H of Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center and LSA Recovery L’Ilui Nishmas Moshe Aryeh Ben Yonason and Faigah Leah bas Pia.

It was also sponsored in memory of Simcha Shmuel ben Moshe Hechtman, who passed away a few years ago without leaving behind any children. “I have been looking for a way to honor his memory in a meaningful way,” said Ruchama Bistritzky-Clapman of MASK, an organization celebrating their 25th year of community service. “I myself wasn’t even ready for what I saw. It was so impressive – the childrens’ faces were all glowing, they had such a good time and I’m sure this will be a great z’chus for his neshama.”

Rabbi Yossi Bryski and volunteers from the 8th grade of Oholei Torah made sure the rides were running smoothly and safely.

NCFJE has been organizing the Lag B’Omer events since 1943. Rabbi Shimon Hecht pointed out that next year will celebrate the 80 year anniversary of the first parade (which was on Purim) and 70 years since the first Lag B’Omer parade with the Rebbe in 1953, and hopes to build on the success of this year’s event to make it even greater.