Westborough – Chabad of Westboro will be hosting its annual grand Jewish community BBQ and Bonfire, Thursday, May 26, at 5:30 p.m. at Lake Chauncy, off Lyman St. The event is free and open to the public and includes crafts, entertainment, great food and drink, roasting marshmallows, Jewish music and lots of fun. RSVP to [email protected] to receive one free hotdog or hamburger.
The event is held to observe Lag B’Omer, the Hebrew holiday that marks the day of passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a second-century Talmudic sage and Kabbalist who instructed his followers to celebrate the anniversary of his death as a culmination of his earthly accomplishments and the beginning of a higher, spiritual life. The day also marks the end of a tragic epidemic that claimed the lives of thousands of Jewish scholars at the same time period. Although largely unobserved by many American Jews, Lag B’Omer is celebrated widely in Israel, with bonfires, music, outings and celebrations.
“Lag B’Omer is an enjoyable Jewish celebration,” said Dvora Green, director of Chabad of Westboro. “It actually commemorates the passing of a great Jewish leader, but is celebrated in a positive, upbeat way. It is a celebration that is meaningful and is remembered for years.”
Green said that she is planning a future event on Sunday, June 12, at 11 a.m. at 54 South St. in Westborough for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, the day that celebrates the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. An ice cream party for kids is planned, with a special traditional reading of the Ten Commandments and eating of “Mount Sinai Sundaes.”
For more information on these and other programs, call Chabad at 508-366-0499 or email [email protected].