Ten Mivtzoim Floats Headline Montreal’s Grand Parade

2,000 children from 15 Jewish schools united at Montreal’s grand Lag BaOmer parade. Ten creative car floats showcased the Rebbe’s mitzvah campaigns rolled by, and a vibrant celebration in the park featured a concert, acrobatic shows, and lively activities.

Chabad Montreal once again organized a successful Lag BaOmer parade, which took place b’siyata d’Shmaya, with clear blue skies and beautiful weather providing the perfect setting for a joyful and uplifting celebration.

Whether Lag BaOmer falls on a Sunday or during the week, and regardless of whether the day brings sunshine or rain, the Chabad community in Montreal remains committed to holding a full-scale parade every year. It is one of the few places in the world that does so consistently. This annual event, marking the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, serves as a powerful display of Jewish unity and pride, bringing the community together in a strong and public expression of commitment to Torah and mitzvos.

This year, 2,000 children participated, representing over 15 Jewish schools from across Montreal. The event began in front of Van Horne Park with a display of the Ten Mitzvah Campaigns, as instructed by the Rebbe. Young students opened the program by reciting the Twelve Pesukim, followed by greetings from HaRav Berel Bell and HaRav David Banon.

Three creative floats were presented by the bochurim of the Yeshiva Zal, the bochurim of Mesivta Ateres Menachem, and the shluchim of Beis Chabad CSL. In addition, ten car floats each displayed one of the Ten Mitzvah Campaigns, accompanied by two Mitzvah Tanks.

Children marched with signs in both English and French, calling on others to “Learn Torah” and “Love Your Fellow Jew.” The parade continued down Westbury Avenue to Mackenzie King Park, where the festivities included a lively concert with Rabbi B and Yo Aisenstark, acrobatic shows, blessings, snacks, sandwiches, and refreshing ice-cold freeze pops. It was another unforgettable Lag BaOmer celebration in Montreal.

Rabbi Berel Mockin, head shaliach of Chabad Lubavitch Youth Organization, together with Rabbi Dovid Cohen, the event coordinator, organized this beautiful festival in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s hiloula.

Special thanks go to:
City of Montreal
City councilor Mr. Sonny Moroz
The police department, PDQ 26
Hatzoloh Montréal
Chaverim Montréa
Rabbi Nachum Greenwald
Rabbi Mendy Wolinsky
Rabbi Moshe Cohen
Rabbi Sholom Lesches
Abraham Finegold
Yeshiva T.T.L. ZAL
Avi New & Marching Band of TTL Grade 6
Mesivta Kerem Menachem
Mesivta Ateres Menachem
Seminary Chaya Mushka
All the float drivers and volunteers

The success of this year’s parade is thanks to the collective efforts of everyone who participated. This truly reflects the essence and purpose of the Lag BaOmer parade: unity, solidarity, Jewish pride in Torah and mitzvots, and ahavas Yisrael.

In the merit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, may we leave this exile and greet Moshiach now.