10,000 at Mass Florida Parade
"Jewish Stars" Aaron Holder, Zalmy Levy, Betzalel Ness and "Junior Jewish Star" Yisroel Amar entertained a crowd of 10,000 at the Mega Lag BaOmer Parade and Fair in South Florida.
More than 100 Chabad Centers and other South Florida Jewish organizations joined ranks to sponsor a Mega Lag B'Omer Parade and Fair in South Florida.
The Parade was held on the six lane highway US 1 and culminated with a beautiful Unity Rally, Fair and Concert at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.
The parade featured over 60 floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, bikers, fire trucks, Irish bagpipes and drums and thousands of participants marching. Jewish day schools, shuls, youth groups and community organizations united to march and celebrate a day of joy and Achdus in the spirit of the Rashbi, Rabbi Akivah and the Rebbe.
The festive flotilla of floats and marching bands headed down US1 escorted by thousands of men, women and children marching along. Thousands of bystanders watched, as the major highway became a parking lot for a full half hour. Tourists and locals alike jumped out of their cars to take pictures and videos, awestruck by the sheer beautiful display of Yiddishkeit that caught so many drivers and shoppers by surprise. Each float represented a different Jewish theme or Mitzvah, with emphasis on spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus throughout the world to bring Moshiach now.
The Parade was led by Rabbi Avrohom Korf, Head Shliach of Florida, along with members of the Hallandale Beach Police Department, Hallandale Beach Fire Department and Broward County Sheriff's Office. The Parade was dedicated in honor of a complete and speedy recovery for Rebbitzen Rivkah bas Sarah Basya Korf.
As the Parade arrived at Gulfstream Park, everyone took their seats, enjoyed free water bottles donated by JLC & Costco and Tzedaka was handed out. Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus led in the recital of Tehillim for Eretz Yisroel, Klal Yisroel and all in need of a Refuah Shleimah. He then introduced Rabbi Korf and Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, who inspired the Parade participants about the timely and timeless inspiration of Lag B'omer, and the Rebbe's message for this great day. Rabbi Yossy Biston and Rabbi Mendy Weiss described the creativity and meaning behind the glamorous floats. Rabbi Moshe Schwartz introduced Broward Sheriff Commander Michael Calderin.
Rabbi Shmuly Gutnick then led the Rally by calling up the children from various schools who recited The Twelve Psukim, and cried out "We Want Moshiach, Now"!...a plea that resonated throughout Gulfstream Park, and remained with all Parade participants as they headed home.
After a special presentation from the Klurman Mesivtah Marching Band, headed by Shimon Korolitzky and Shmuly Sosonkin, everyone was revved up and ready for an amazing time.
Thousands of boys and girls were treated to over 50 unlimited amusement rides, carnival booths, pony rides, arcade games and much more set up for all to enjoy. A delicious BBQ served up sizzling hot dogs, burgers, and fries. For the kids there was popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy.
The live concert included the Yossy Bayles Orchestra, Skafyah Reggae Band, Dr Laz and Florida Jewish Stars, featuring Zalmy Levy, Aron Holder, Betzalel Ness, and Junior Jewish Star Winner Yisroel Amar, who all performed live in an incredible Lag B'Omer Concert, as a huge bonfire was enjoyed by all. Hundreds of men put on Tefillin, as men, women and children were encouraged to do one more Mitzvah.
This was the spirit which pervaded Gulfstream Park, formerly the home of the Broward County Fairgrounds: Lag B'omer pride and joy, in a personification of true Jewish brotherhood.
Coordinating the entire event was Rabbi Shmuly Gutnick, of Chabad Youth Network, Rabbi Mendy Levy of the Shul of Bal Harbor, Rabbi Pinny Andrusier of Chabad of Southwest Broward, Rabbi Mordy Feiner, and Rabbi Levi Tennenhaus of Chabad of South Broward.
A special thanks to Rabbi Avrohom Korf, Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus, Rabbi Yaaakov Fellig, Rabbi Moshe Meyer Lipszyc and to all the Chabad Shluchim for making this event a reality.
Also thanks to the Rabbinical students, the Seminary and High School girls, Eli Feiner, Shimon Korolitzky and to all those who helped make this happen.
