2 months ago

In Honor of Rashbi: Marching to the Geulah with Jewish Joy in Kostanay

Despite difficult weather forecasts, a remarkable turnaround took place in honor of the Lag BaOmer parade in Kostanay. The event also marked fifty years since the Rebbe’s campaign of the Twelve Pesukim. One local Jew even put on Tefillin for the very first time in his life. The parade was led by the shliach and Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zalmanov • Full Story, Photos

The days leading up to Lag BaOmer in Kostanay were filled with concern. Heavy rain and powerful winds swept through the city without pause, and the organizers were deeply worried about the planned parade. The forecast, which had predicted stormy weather for over a week, left little room for optimism.

Yet through the merit of the holy Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, and through the power of “the Rashbi of our generation” — the Lubavitcher Rebbe, MH”M — an extraordinary transformation occurred. On the morning of Lag BaOmer, the skies suddenly cleared in a remarkable way. The winds calmed and the rain stopped completely. Even local residents, well acquainted with the region’s unpredictable weather, stood astonished and openly remarked: “The weather changed in honor of the Jewish parade!”

The impressive Lag BaOmer Parade was led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zalmanov and his family. Powerful music accompanied the march, including the well-known niggun “Niyet Niyet Nikavo” sung in both Russian and Hebrew, expressing the burning faith that “There is nothing besides Him.”

Special emphasis this year was placed on the songs of the Twelve Pesukim in Hebrew and Russian, marking fifty years since the Rebbe launched the campaign. The traditional parade songs echoed through the city streets in both languages, melting away fear and filling the participants with Jewish pride and joy.

“Jumping to the Geulah” Mitzvah Park

At the entrance to the parade grounds, participants were welcomed by an elaborate children’s Mitzvah Park under the theme “Jumping to the Geulah.” The park featured interactive educational games through which children learned about the Rebbe’s mitzvah campaigns and about preparing the world to welcome Moshiach.

Alongside the attractions and inflatable activities, participants enjoyed sweet refreshments, some served with carob spread as a remembrance of the miracle of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and the food he ate in the cave. The unique taste gave participants a tangible connection to the spirit and message of the day.

A Moving Moment: First-Time Tefillin

One of the most emotional moments of the day took place at the impressive Tefillin stand. A local Jew—who had never before put on Tefillin in his life—was helped by Rabbi Menachem Zalmanov to put on Tefillin for the very first time. Deeply moved, he accepted upon himself the yoke of Heaven and joined in the anticipation of the coming of Moshiach.

During the Tzivos Hashem gathering, Rabbi Zalmanov — grandson of the Chief Rabbi of Moldova, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky — spoke to the participants about his grandfather, who organized the very first Lag BaOmer parade in the Soviet Union and CIS countries on the main streets of the city following the fall of the Iron Curtain.

“Even then, there were those who were afraid,” Rabbi Zalmanov said. “But today we march proudly and reveal new Jewish souls!”

The celebration then continued with the lighting of a large bonfire in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, joyful dancing, and children enjoying the “Jumping to the Geulah” park while already asking for the complete Redemption with joy.

Ending the Day with Inspiration

The day concluded with a powerful Tzivos Hashem rally featuring a fire show, Jewish puppets, an exciting drum performance, and a festive kosher barbecue.

Afterward, everyone gathered in the hall of the Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish Center for a lively farbrengen, where participants watched videos of the Rebbe and listened to words of Torah and Chassidus, all with heartfelt anticipation for the revelation of Melech HaMoshiach and the rebuilding of the Third Beiis Hamikdosh speedily in our days.