Chabad of Alameda is hosting a community barbecue on May 9 at Washington Park to celebrate Jewish pride and unity on the holiday of Lag Ba’Omer. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with a barbecue, s’mores, a bounce house, crafts for kids, music, and more.
Lag Ba’Omer is a festive day on the Jewish calendar, commemorating the end of a horrible plague 1,000 years ago and the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar, the foundational work of the Kabbalah. Known as the “Rashbi,” his life and teachings have added significance this year as Jewish communities worldwide celebrate the Jewish Year of Hakhel or “Gathering,” marked with Jewish gatherings focused on unity, Torah learning, and practice.
“Lag Ba’Omer is a time to focus on living proudly as a Jew and remembering that our unity is what makes us strong” said Rabbi Meir Shmotkin, who directs Chabad of Alameda.
The Alameda celebration is one of thousands of similar Lag Ba’Omer celebrations in cities across the globe hosted by Chabad-Lubavitch.
Barbecue
The Lag Ba’Omer community barbecue on May 9 at Washington Park, 740 Central Ave., will include flame-grilled kosher favorites, including burgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. Vegetarian options also are available, along with salads, drinks, and s’mores.
Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children; please RSVP online. The event is free for Chabad Hebrew School families, who should RSVP at Hebrew School.
For more information, visit Chabad Alameda’s special Lag Ba’Omer Barbecue web page.
