We gathered with our school families to celebrate Lag Ba’Omer —a day filled with light, laughter, and deep-rooted Jewish values. The spirit of this special holiday was alive in every corner of our celebration, as children and parents came together for an afternoon of connection, creativity, and fun. Lag Ba’Omer is a joyful break in the Omer count, commemorating both the end of a tragic plague among Rabbi Akiva's students and honoring the life of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai , a mystic who brought great light into the world through his teachings. It’s traditionally marked with outdoor gatherings, bonfires, and celebrations of Jewish unity and resilience—values that were beautifully reflected in our school’s event. Families joined us on campus for a delightful mix of activities that made this Lag Ba’Omer both meaningful and memorable: 🎨 Face painting and crafts invited the children to express their creativity and joy, bringing color and imagination into the day. 🎯 Fun games gave families the chance to laugh and play together—reminding us of the simple joy in being together as a community. 🧺 We shared a picnic-style falafel meal , spreading out on the grass to enjoy delicious food and each other’s company in the fresh air. 🔥 Of course, no Lag Ba’Omer would be complete without a fire , and ours was the heart of the celebration. Families gathered around to roast marshmallows for s’mores , and in a special twist, we also dropped potatoes into the fire to bake , connecting to the rustic, outdoor customs of the day.  This event wasn’t just about fun—it was a living expression of Jewish values : community (kehilla) , joy (simcha) , tradition (masoret) , and gratitude (hakarat hatov) . Watching families connect with one another, children delight in the magic of the fire, and everyone pause to enjoy the moment reminded us of the beauty and strength of our shared heritage. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this Lag Ba’Omer so special. Celebrations like these are a vital part of what makes our school more than just a place of learning—they make it a vibrant, connected community where Jewish life is lived with meaning and joy.