- Published on Tuesday, 20 May 2014 14:21
Jewish heroism and pride were kindled this week in the hearts of the Jews of Moldova. For many, the parade brought back memories of their grandparents long ago. The grand parade took place in Kishinev, starting from the courtyard of the Great Synagogue on Chabad Lubavitch Street, and it was attended by many members of the Jewish community and their families.
At the giant parade in Kishinev, capital of Moldova, there were large, impressive floats. The parade was led by a mitzvah tank. The program included a Tzivos Hashem march and rally, and a “happening” for Lag B’Omer. Shliach Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, Chief Rabbi of Moldova, spoke about the significance of the day.
Jewish Floats on Display in Kishinev
The Lag B’Omer parade was headed by a convoy of vehicles bearing floats based on Jewish themes, including signs about the Final Redemption. The view of Kishinev seemed to have changed, and people could not believe their eyes.
A mitzvah tank led the procession, with a powerful sound system decorated with signs about various mitzvah campaigns, the Seven Noachide Laws, and the Final Redemption. Lag B’Omer songs and songs about Moshiach were played very loudly and could be heard from afar.
Local residents looked on and were very impressed by the Jewish parade, while for many Jews it ignited the Jewish spark within them.
A Powerful Jewish Parade
The Lag B’Omer parade was accompanied by police officers and various security officials, turning down the main streets, Stefan cel Mare and Pushkin, and other nearby busy roads. It passed the Moldovan victory statue, the Kishinev Opera House, and the Moldovan government offices and was a great source of Jewish pride.
A special Tzivos Hashem rally was also held, in which Rabbi Abelsky, explained the significance of the day. Tzivos Hashem soldiers then read out the Twelve Pesukim.
This was followed by a special Lag B’Omer “happening,” with refreshments and games with bows and arrows in accordance with the Jewish custom.
There was also a special Lag B’Omer bonfire, amid dancing and celebration, in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
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.
