Lag B’omer celebrates the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and is a time to draw inspiration from his life’s work. Rabbi Shimon’s Torah study was so great that it was his “occupation,” a level unattained even by his greatest peers. But how, then, is a young child to attempt to emulate him?
The Talmud tells us that 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva died because "they did not treat one
another with respect." But the plague ended on Lag B'omer, which means they had remedied
their actions and began to treat each other with the appropriate level of esteem.
Torah instructs Jewish children: If you see another person who is in need, whether spiritually or physically, reach out to him with love and help him get free of his predicament. Then proceed together, growing from each other’s successes.
A grand Lag B’omer parade. After the crowds arrive and the 12 Pesukim are recited, the Rebbe addresses the children. The parade goes by the Rebbe with marching bands, U.S. soldiers, marvelous floats and happy children.
"May it be Your will, L-rd our G-d and G-d of our fathers, that the Holy Temple be speedily
rebuilt in our days, and grant us our portion in Your Torah."
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