A large parade took place in Kishinev, capital of Moldova, on Lag B’Omer last Thursday. It included Jewish floats, banners, and a mitzvah tank.
The parade set out from the courtyard of the Great Synagogue on Chabad Lubavitch Street. Present were members of the local Jewish community and their families. The parade was led by a convoy of vehicles, bearing Jewish floats and signs. As it passed through the streets, many onlookers took photographs of this unique event.
At the front of the convoy was a mitzvah tank that included a powerful sound system that played Lag B’Omer songs. It was decorated with signs about the various mitzvahs, the Seven Noachide Laws, and the Final Redemption. Local residents, both Jewish and non-Jewish were very impressed by the whole spectacle.
Other activities included a children’s rally at which shliach Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, Chief Rabbi of Moldova, explained the meaning of Lag B’Omer and the members of youth movement Tzivos Hashem recited the Twelve Pesukim and other religious readings.
Many of the men who were present at the parade put on tefillin with Chabad House volunteers, including dozens of members of the local community and Jewish youth.
The day culminated in a special “happening” at which refreshments were served, there was a fun program, and bonfires were lit in accordance with the traditional Lag B’Omer custom. The crowd included many young Jews, members of the Jewish community, and Israeli students who are currently studying at the local university.
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