When considering the holiday of Lag BaOmer, you might think of bonfires, carnivals, weddings, parties, haircuts, picnics … and music!
Pikesville’s Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation will hold a “Baltimore Lag BaOmer Music Festival” on Sunday, May 26, from 3-7 p.m. at the Katz Jewish Music Center, located at MMAE, 7000 Rockland Hills Drive.
The free event will showcase live Jewish music from an array of local Jewish musical talents, along with food and activities.
“I’m very excited about the upcoming festival,” said MMAE’s Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro. “First of all, it is the first music festival at the Katz Jewish Music Venue, though certainly not the last. This whole year is a pilot launch to determine what works and what doesn’t. Like every event we host, the goal is to bring people together to share in communal happiness and spiritual growth.
“I think Jewish music has tremendous potential to level up everyone’s sense of spirituality,” he said. “Besides that, I’m also excited that we are showcasing local musical talent, and this will be the first time many people hear these talented musicians work their art. Lastly, we’re building a mailing list of people interested in Jewish music and the large turnout at this festival will help us create a wide reach for promoting future musical events.”
Lag BaOmer marks the 33rd day of the 50-day period between the joyous holidays of Passover and Shavuot. During the semi-mourning Omer period, Jews are forbidden from holding celebratory events as well as listening to music or getting haircuts — except on Lag B’Omer, which is observed on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar.
At the festival, LevSoul will perform with their original Jewish music, blending folk, rock and jazz elements, featuring Dave and Josh Gerhardt on vocals, guitar and bass, Judah Bennett on guitar, and Tzuriel Fenigstein on drums.
“The festival embodies [the Lag BaOmer] tradition, and we welcome the entire community to come celebrate a day of music, delicious food, and fun activities,” said Dave Gerhardt.
Also performing will be The Shteiblers with their unique blend of original and traditional tunes, infused with klezmer and Chasidishe influences. The Sheiblers feature Aharon Grayson on piano, clarinet and vocals, Nehemia Jakobovits on vocals, Joshua Solomon on violin, Eli Tarshish on guitar, and Mikhail Abramov on percussion.
Drawing on his cultural experiences living in South Africa, Israel and the United States, Chanon Bloch will share original songs. Yisroel Juskowicz will offer soulful folk music in the style of Reb Shlomo Carlebach, while Adriel Borshansky will perform heartfelt compositions rooted in Jewish tradition.
In addition, attendees can enjoy variety of food options available for purchase, including steak sandwiches, barbecue, burgers and hot dogs, as well as beverages courtesy of MMAE’s brotherhood.
Family-friendly activities such as face painting and games will be available, along with an archery demonstration and a Judaica books giveaway. The festival will feature a Lag BaOmer bonfire and marshmallow roast.
For information, call MMAE at 410-653-7485 or visit mmae.org/event/lag-baomer-music-festival/.
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