Community Celebrates Lag B’Omer with Festivities

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.

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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