On Sunday, many families joined together to for their Second Annual celebration for Lag B’Omer at Bayonet Farm, in Holmdel, NJ.   

The festive program, sponsored by Chabad House of Holmdel-Colts Neck, and Congregational Sons of Israel, featured rides, moon walks, face-painting, and sports games.  In addition a festive barbeque served Glatt kosher hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, and a variety of finger foods. 

Adam Elshtein roasts a marshmallow over the bonfire. Credit: Michael Jagendor

As Rabbi Ephraim Carlebach explained, the traditions of Lag B’Omer commemorate a miracle 2,000 years ago in the days of Rabbi Akiva, when a terrible plague miraculously was halted, and thousands of disciples of Rabbi Akiva were able to survive.  

One of the most famous disciples, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, later had to hide from the oppressive Roman empire,  and hid with his son in  a cave for a period of 13 years.

Later, Rabbi Shimon, knowing that this date would be his day of passing, decreed that all future Lag B’omers should be celebrated with joy and unity, commemorating the life and teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Both Chabad Houses of Holmdel and Ocean Township invited local residents to celebrate this important date, by spending family time outdoors (commemorating Rabbi Shimon’s living in a cave) and combining the themes of Torah, Tefillah, and Tzedaka.  

In addition to the rides and numerous sports games, the assembled crowd heard the story of Lag B’omer. They recited  verses of the Torah, gave charity, and prayed the Mincha (afternoon) service together.

Rabbi Ephraim Carlebach's organization is called Chabad of Holmdel, and is located at 14 S. Holmdel Rd, Holmdel. Carlebach has returned to the area after his wedding to Rochel Klein of Melbourne, Australia. Carlebach is associated with the Chabad of Central New Jersey. 

For more pictores click here