I returned from Albany last night just in time to experience the most wonderful Lag B’Omer celebrations in our community. Running from one bonfire to the next and seeing the excitement would have been enough to demonstrate to anyone why our community is so genuinely special. But it was more than that. There was something more than the exhilaration and it occurred to me as I returned home after hours of dancing with my friends and neighbors throughout the community: Everything had been done right.

There were many fires last night, some big and some small. But no matter where you went in Boro Park or Midwood, every bonfire was organized with the highest level of professionalism and the greatest regard to safety. Hoses were at the ready, if needed, while police officers looked on with amazement at celebrations that were not rowdy affairs but rather expressions of joy and achdus. It was the perfect blend of sensitivity, proficiency, courtesy and joy; experiences that the hundreds and hundreds of children who attended (and I think I danced with most of them!) will have ingrained in their memories and be eager to repeat again, year after year… and one day with their own children. Holy fires. Everything was just right.

Of course these special events were courtesy of the many mosdos and shuls that sponsored them, and they have my gratitude. I was grateful for the szchus of lighting the fire at the Boyan celebration. I also want to thank the new Commander of the 66^th Police Precinct, Captain Kenneth Quick and his staff, who I met with weeks before Log B’Omer to make certain that everything would be organized and safe. My gratitude also to Community Board 12 Chairman Yidel Perlstein and District Manager Barry Spitzer.

Dov Hikind
Member of Assembly

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