News Summary
The Jewish community in Ferndale will celebrate Lag B’Omer with a variety of events on May 16, including a BBQ Klezmer concert, candle lighting, and a Farbrengun at Jewish Ferndale. Concurrently, the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue will host a Shabbat Hop event, encouraging community engagement and connection. These events are part of a series of ongoing celebrations aimed at fostering cultural education and experience.
Ferndale, MI – The Jewish community will come together to celebrate Lag B’Omer on Friday, May 16, with a series of events designed for all ages, featuring a BBQ Klezmer concert, candle lighting, and a communal gathering known as Farbrengun. Starting at 5:30 p.m. and running until 9:30 p.m., the festivities will be held at Jewish Ferndale, located at 1725 Pinecrest Dr, Ferndale, MI 48220.
The event will kick off at 5:30 p.m., followed by a concert, bonfire, and storytelling session taking place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Attendees can participate in the community Shabbat candle lighting and Kiddush at 8:30 p.m., before concluding with the Lag B’Omer Farbrengun at 9:30 p.m. Vegan options will be available for guests. Those interested in attending can register online through the provided event link.
On the same day, another celebration will be underway at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, located at 1457 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226. The Shabbat Hop event will commence at 6 p.m. with services followed by a shared Shabbat dinner, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. There is no charge for the services, and advance registration is encouraged to facilitate event planning. The purpose of this gathering is to enable participants to explore diverse Shabbat experiences across Metro Detroit, with further registration available online.
Highlights of Lag B’Omer Celebrations
Lag B’Omer, celebrated on the 33rd day of the Omer counting period, is a festive day in Jewish tradition that commemorates the Bar Kokhba revolt against the Romans and honors the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. It cross-sects joy and remembrance, marked by activities such as bonfires and outdoor parties, making the upcoming celebrations all the more significant for community connection and cultural expression.
Other Upcoming Events
Beyond the Lag B’Omer and Shabbat festivities, the Jewish community has planned additional events as part of their ongoing programming.
On Saturday, May 17, Benji Lovitt, an American-Israeli comedian and educator, will take the stage at Temple Kol Ami, located at 5085 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, for the session titled Seriously Funny: How Israelis Laugh to Keep from Crying. This event aims to showcase how humor serves as a therapeutic tool amidst the challenges faced in everyday life. The program will run from 7 p.m.10 p.m..
A few days later, on Tuesday, May 20, the Jewish Book Club will host its third meeting at the Unexpected Craft Brewing Company in Oak Park, where attendees will discuss the book Night Owls by A.R. Vishny. The meeting will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the next session will take place on June 17, with a discussion on Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Riege.
Lastly, on Thursday, May 22, a discussion featuring Rabbi Aaron Bergman about the life and work of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen will take place at The J in West Bloomfield from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.. This event is part of the Ageless & Active series and is designed to engage attendees with Cohen’s songs and poetry.
Community involvement remains vital, and residents are encouraged to participate in these enriching experiences, which foster cultural education and connection. Registration details for each event can be found online.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detroit Jewish Film Festival to Celebrate Jewish Culture
Additional Resources
- The Jewish News: What’s Happening in Jewish Detroit
- Wikipedia: Lag B’Omer
- The Jewish News: Events for the Week Ahead
- Google Search: community Shabbat
- The Jewish News: Upcoming Jewish Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shabbat
- The Jewish News: Community Recap Jewish Detroit
- Google News: Benji Lovitt
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
