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Despite the Weather: The Jews of Kostanay Marched with Jewish Pride in a Grand Lag B’Omer Parade

Despite the weather conditions, the Jews of Kostanay proudly marched in an impressive Lag B’Omer Parade with signs of redemption and mitzvah campaigns. The event included a grand gathering, the lighting of the bonfire, and a “L’chaim” in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, led by the Chief Rabbi and Shliach Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zalmanson and his family • Full Story, Photos

The impressive Lag B’Omer Parade in Kostanay was held under the direction of the Chief Rabbi and Shliach, Rabbi Mendy Zalmanov, and his family. The Jews of Kostanay marched proudly on the path of redemption with innovative mitzvah campaign signs filled with the message of Geulah (Redemption). In addition, there were giant mitzvah mascots and massive signs displaying the mitzvah campaigns that reveal the Kingship of Hashem. Giant mitzvah flags, and even custom bicycles converted into a “Mitzvah Tank” featured campaigns to welcome Moshiach Tzidkeinu. There was also a huge trailer transformed into a “Mitzvah Train” that publicized the path toward Geulah, good deeds, and the Seven Noahide Laws for the city’s residents.

The event featured a powerful drum performance that echoed far and wide—a true step forward toward the Redemption. Although the weather was uncertain and rain had just ended, the parade went on respectfully through the city streets. Participants took part in a public gathering with Torah, Tefillah (prayer), and Tzedakah (charity). Later, a bonfire was lit in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

For some local Jews, it was their first time ever witnessing such a display of Jewish pride in the streets. Slowly but surely, the “shells” of Communist years are being broken. Even now, fear is still visible on some faces. Rabbi Mendy Zalmanov encouraged them, sharing that 35 years ago—before the fall of the Iron Curtain—Jews in Moldova were also afraid to march in the first-ever Lag B’Omer Parade in the Former Soviet Union, organized by his grandfather, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, Chief Rabbi of Moldova and its capital Kishinev.

In the years that followed, dozens of such parades were held, in which Rabbi Mendy had the merit to participate and help organize. And now, decades later, the Jewish soul proudly marches on, revealing new Jewish sparks. We remember the historic victory of Soviet Jewry—dear, precious Jews of these countries!

The Russian song “Nyet, Nyet, Nikavo”—meaning “There is none other than Him”—rang out. With pride and unity, we live, we march, and we bring the true and complete Geulah.

Citizens of the city watched in amazement at the Jewish Parade marching proudly toward redemption. There were giant signs about the Seven Noahide Laws and the mitzvah campaigns for a world of Geulah. At the Tzivos Hashem gathering, children said Torah, Tefillah, and Tzedakah, and the Rebbe’s chapter of Tehillim, word by word, followed by a heartfelt request for the coming of Moshiach.

There was a spectacular mitzvah mascot show, the recitation of the 12 Pesukim (verses), and a plea for the revelation of the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach in the merit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Children wrote letters to Hashem with requests for the Geulah and sent them heavenward with balloons. A fire-juggling show was performed in honor of the holy light of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. There were joyful performances featuring Jewish themes and mitzvos, along with a drum show celebrating Lag B’Omer.

A large bonfire was kindled in honor of the holy Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai with singing and dancing. Children cried out, “We want Moshiach now!” They played in the field with bows and arrows and enjoyed a “Mitzvah Park” with games conveying the messages of Geulah, Sefirat HaOmer, and Jewish values to prepare for the coming of Moshiach.

There was also a kosher barbecue for the joy of the Jewish community of Kostanay. The Mitzvah Park included target games teaching about Lag B’Omer, Sefirat HaOmer, tzedakah coin drops into a giant tzedakah box, mitzvah ring toss games symbolizing collecting mitzvos for the revelation of Moshiach, and more—accompanied by kosher refreshments and tefillin being offered proudly in the field on Lag B’Omer.

Children were given coloring books in Russian about the 12 Pesukim, with explanations of each mitzvah that tips the scale toward complete redemption.

Later in the day, the community gathered in the synagogue for prayers and the recitation of Tehillim chapters for the merit of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel and for the safety of Jews around the world—along with the Rebbe’s chapter and chapter 33 of Tehillim. Tefillin were put on, a farbrengen was held in honor of Lag B’Omer, Torah and Chassidus were shared, L’chaims were said, and the crowd watched inspiring videos about the Rebbe and his mitzvah campaigns to welcome Moshiach Tzidkeinu.