There were rides, a BBQ, floats, a bonfire and even Noah’s traveling Ark from New York. But there was no rain. For forty years Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois has been organizing Lag B’omer gatherings and celebration and it keeps on getting better!
This year’s Great Jewish Family Festival featured – for the first time in the Midwest – Noah’s Traveling Ark. A walk-through traveling exhibit where participants were wowed by the beautiful life-size animal depictions on the outside of the Ark. Entering this dynamic production transforms you back in time through our highly creative and lively educational exhibits. These activities highlighted by live animals make the story of Noah come alive and provide a hands-on educational experience.
Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz, event organizer and executive director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois said: “We have come a long way since our first event in 1978 on the behest of the Lubavitcher Rebbe”. Lag B’Omer has become synonymous with Jewish unity and celebration.
Participants from all segments of the community joined in unity and celebrated in honor of great sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and who asked that the anniversary of his passing be treated as a holiday.
The evening concluded with the lighting of a mass bonfire and an entertaining fire show.
The Great Jewish Family Fest is a project of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois and the Chabad Centers throughout the state. Special thanks to lead sponsor The Crain Maling Foundation and corporate sponsors , Jewel-Osco, Aaron’s Best, Westfield Old Orchard, Chicago Jewish Home, State Representative Lou Lang, Lester Lampert, Chicago Jewish Funerals and Yes Press!
