Over 500 people joined together in a joyous display of Jewish pride, unity, and celebration at the Northern California Lag B’Omer Parade, with marching bands, police escorts, and the iconic Mitzvah Cable Car as the parade made its way into Golden Gate Park.
Over 500 people joined together in a joyous display of Jewish pride, unity, and celebration at the Northern California Lag B’Omer Parade, hosted by Bais Menachem Yeshiva Day School and led by Rabbi Gedalia Potash and Mrs. Chani Zarchi in the heart of San Francisco.
The event, co-sponsored by Chabad Houses across Northern California, drew families and children from far and wide, including the Cheder in Pleasanton and the Sacramento Jewish Academy.
From the moment the parade began, the streets pulsed with energy. One unforgettable moment was when all the Shluchim and Rabbanim stood together and sang “Hinei Ma Tov U’manayim”—a stirring scene of brotherhood and unity that brought smiles and deep joy to many faces.
The crowd of over 500 marched proudly, waving flags and singing with joy, transforming the city’s landscape into a scene of Jewish pride.
Rabbi Chaim Zaklos, Shliach to Vacaville and Rebbi at the Cheder of the Bay, delivered an uplifting message to the crowd, followed by Rabbi Yossi Korik, Shliach to Placer County and Principal of Sacramento Jewish Academy, who shared an inspiring story about faith and the legacy of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.
Another heartwarming moment was watching the children dance in the streets with simcha and passion, honoring the holy Tanna, Rashbi. Their dancing captured the spirit of the day—joyous, proud, and full of light.
The parade was led by the iconic Mitzvah Cable Car from Chabad of San Francisco, followed by a dazzling array of floats crafted by the students of Bais Menachem and the Cheder.
Among the highlights:
A float that depicted shuls and Chabad Houses from around the world floating toward the Beis Hamikdash in Yerushalayim, a powerful symbol of the ultimate geulah and the role each Jewish community plays in bringing it closer.
Another float illustrated how every Mitzvah protects the Yidden in Eretz Yisroel, featuring shields of Torah and Tefillah surrounding a map of the Land of Israel—a moving reminder of the spiritual power children wield.
Marching bands, police escorts, and a sea of community members followed as the parade made its way into Golden Gate Park.
There, the fun continued with activities and a delicious BBQ hosted by the Schneerson Center of San Francisco, where children played, families relaxed, and the air buzzed with Achdus.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Rabbi Dov Greenberg, Shliach at Chabad of Stanford University, remarked: “This is an even greater display of Jewish pride – considering that we are on the streets of one of the most secular cities in the world. It’s a statement that Yiddishkeit is vibrant, joyful, and unafraid.”
As the day came to a close, it was clear that this wasn’t just a parade—it was a public Kiddush Hashem, a celebration of Jewish unity, pride, and a deep longing for the coming of Moshiach, may it be now.
Thank you to the event sponsors:
Bais Menachem Yeshiva Day School,
Chabad of SF – Soma Shul and Pacific Heights
Chabad of the Neighborhood,
Chabad of Cole Valley,
Chabad of Noe Valley
Chabad of North S. Mateo County, Chabad of the Sunset & Student Center
Congregation Adath Israel,
Congregation Chevra Thilim
Richmond Torah Center-Chabad, Schneerson Center
Shalom School,
The Cheder of the Bay,
Sacramento Jewish Academy
Torat Emet,
Kibby Farms
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