This year’s Lag BaOmer celebration hosted by Jewish Virginia Beach brought together more than 300 participants for an afternoon that balanced joy, depth, and community spirit — and showcased a Jewish presence that’s growing, young, and full of life.
Held at Hunt Club Farm, the event featured live music by David Cardon and Aaron Fast, a festive atmosphere, and Israeli-style food — all prepared and served by local community members.
Activities included archery, axe throwing, a petting zoo, tractor rides, a hookah lounge for adults, and children’s crafts led by the Shinshinyot, helping kids build their own bows and arrows in the spirit of Lag BaOmer. Support for the event came from several generous sponsors, including Oshri Peretz and his locksmith company, HMark renovation and development group, and Boris Shilman, who provided crucial assistance in helping cover costs.
Rabbi Meir Lessoff offered reflections on the meaning of Lag BaOmer — its message of resilience, unity, and an eternal connection to Torah. His words led into a fire lighting ceremony in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. David Konikoff and Steve Konikoff lit the fire. A 500-year-old Torah scroll, smuggled out of Iraq, preserved through generations and recently donated by Herb and Bina Zukerman, was unveiled.
