Lag BaOmer — A Huge Success and a Big Step Forward for the Jewish Community

You could feel it the moment you walked in.

This wasn’t just another celebration — it was a community milestone.

Over 300 people gathered at Hunt Club Farm for an afternoon full of energy, soul, and connection.

Families, students, military personnel, longtime locals, and new faces came together as one. And just as we hoped — despite gloomy forecasts — the sun came out and shined on something truly special.

Everything was in place:

• Live music with David Cardon (English) and Aaron Fast (Hebrew)

• Incredible food — shawarma, shakshuka, falafel, kebabs, dozens of Israeli salads, pita, drinks — all prepared and served by community members

• Fun for all ages — petting zoo, tractor rides, archery, axe throwing (thanks to Tomahawk Toss), hookah lounge, and more

• Kids’ crafts were led by our talented Shinshinyot as part of the KIT program, helping children make their own mini bows and arrows in honor of the Lag BaOmer story

And then came the surprises:

• Fresh popcorn for everyone

• Spinning cotton candy

• And custom Lag BaOmer hats for every child — designed and printed by Shani Pinto, one of our own

As sunset approached, the community gathered for the heart of the event.

Rabbi Meir Lessoff shared a powerful message about Lag BaOmer — about light in dark times, about unity, and about our deep, unbreakable bond with Torah.

Then, David Kanikov and Steve Kanikov stepped forward to light the fire in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, whose spiritual light still burns strong.

And just when you thought the evening had reached its peak — something unforgettable happened.

From behind a glass case, the cloth was gently lifted… revealing a 500-year-old Torah scroll.

Smuggled out of Iraq during times of danger, preserved across generations, and donated this very week by Herb and Bina Zukerman — this Torah scroll is more than a historical artifact.

It’s a symbol of our people’s strength, endurance, and divine connection.

There was a moment of awe. A quiet recognition.

This is who we are. This is what we’re building.

And this entire day? It happened because of our volunteers.

The event was built, run, and managed entirely by our community — from start to finish.

A special thank you to Idan Mimia, who ran the kitchen and oversaw the entire food operation with skill, calm, and nonstop dedication.

To Shani Pinto, Yoel, Tomer, Ben L., Menucha, Rachel Soll, Jared, Dina, Shaye, Leo, DALL·E, Boris Shilman and so many others — you made this day come to life.

And of course, to Milena Paltseva for capturing the event on video, and Dmitry Gotkis, our photographer who documented every smile and flame with beauty and precision.

Special thanks to our event sponsors:

Oshri Peretz and his incredible Locksmith team (available anywhere, anytime across Virginia Beach: 757-512-8988),

And the outstanding property renovation and repair company From HMark — Yishkoyech!

And to every participant who included a donation during the registration process — your support made this possible.

⸻

This is Jewish Virginia Beach.

One fire. One heart. One community.

Alive. Proud. And building the future — together

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