On Motzei Shabbos, the Chicago Jewish community united once again for the annual Lag B’omer hadlaka at The Chicago Center on Devon. Hundreds of men, women and children gathered as night fell and excitedly anticipated the lighting of the Medura.

The Nasi, Rav Pinchus Eichenstein Shlita, The Rov, Rav Zalman Leib Eichenstein Shlita, and Rav Yissochor Dov Eichenstein, Rov of Mercaz Torah U’Tefilah of Baltimore, lit the fire.

The dancing and singing went on for close to an hour as young and old danced and sang L’choved Hatana Reb Shimon. The energy in the air was palpable. The simcha on the glowing faces of the men and children alike, almost tangible. As the last flames died out the crowd continued to dance taking in the last moments of this year’s Hadlaka. Refreshments were served and each child received a special pekela.

The Hadlaka injected the Kehillah with a burst of energy as we head into the final days before Matan Torah.