The Living Bridge of Lag Ba’Omer
The Living Bridge of Lag Ba’Omer
Lag Ba'omer stands out on the Jewish calendar not only for its bonfires and celebrations, but for its uniquely deep connection to children. Positioned between two foundational moments, Pesach and Shavuos, it forms a bridge that highlights the essential role of children in the transmission of Torah and Jewish identity.
On Pesach, the Torah places extraordinary emphasis on education through the mitzvah of “v’higadeta l’vincha” - telling the story of the Exodus to one’s child. The Seder revolves around curiosity and engagement, all centered on the child’s questions. It is not enough to remember; we must transmit. The entire structure of Pesach underscores that the future of the Jewish people depends on how we speak to and involve our children.
On the other end stands Shavuos, the giving of the Torah. The Midrash famously teaches that when Hashem was about to give the Torah, He asked for guarantors. The Jewish people offered many great figures, our forefathers, prophets etc. but Hashem did not accept them. Only when they said, “Our children will be our guarantors,” was the Torah given. This powerful idea places children not as recipients (Pesach), but as the very foundation upon which Torah stands (Shavous).
Between these two moments lies Lag Ba'omer. A day that celebrates the legacy of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and marks a break in the mourning period of the Omer. Yet beyond its historical significance, Lag Ba'omer has become a day deeply associated with children. Across communities, children gather for parades, outings, and joyful celebrations. They sing, play, and proudly express their Jewish identity in public and vibrant ways.
This is not incidental. Lag Ba'omer serves as the living bridge between the obligation to teach our children (Pesach) and the recognition that they are the guarantors of our future (Shavuos). It is a day when children are not only taught but they are the performers. Their energy, innocence, and faith are brought to the forefront, reminding us that the continuity of Torah depends on them.
In this sense, Lag Ba'omer captures a profound truth: education is not only about instruction, but about joy, experience, and pride. When children feel that Judaism is alive, exciting, and meaningful, they naturally become its strongest ambassadors.
As we move from Pesach to Shavuos, Lag Ba'omer reminds us to invest not only in what we teach our children, but in how they experience it. For in their hands lies the promise of Torah’s future.
Parshas Behar introduces the mitzvah of Shemitah, an entire year when the land rests. Farmers who worked the same fields year after year were asked to pause, step back, and trust that Hashem would provide. The Torah teaches that growth is not only about constant activity; sometimes growth comes from creating space, reflection, and balance.
This is an important lesson in chinuch. Children also need moments to pause, process, and recharge. Growth does not happen through pressure alone. When children are given healthy space, to think, to ask, to breathe, and to develop at their own pace, they grow with greater confidence and stability. Sometimes stepping back is what allows deeper growth to move forward.
Question 1: What is the name of the seventh year when the land must rest?
Question 2: What reward is mentioned first if Bnei Yisrael follow the Torah?
It’s Never Too Late
The 2nd grade girls learned a meaningful lesson from Pesach Sheini, that even when mistakes are made, there is always an opportunity to grow, improve, and try again.
To help bring the lesson to life, the students painted and decorated a canvas to take home and display as a reminder of this important message. Thank you to Mrs. Jacobson for teaching and inspiring our students with this valuable lesson.
Library Trip
As part of the 4th grade states project, the students enjoyed a trip to the Sandy Springs Library with Ms. Hayden for a relaxing and productive afternoon.
During the visit, students selected books and resources that will help support the research and preparation for their upcoming projects, while also enjoying time exploring the library together.
Basketball Celebrations
This week, we celebrated the successful seasons of the CMCA Boys and Girls Flames basketball teams with a special lunchtime event honoring the players and coaches. Team members were presented with certificates and recognized for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments throughout the season.
The excitement is already building for next year as the Flames look forward to coming back stronger than ever. Thank you to Coach Yazzy and Coach Jared for organizing the event and for everything they do to support our students and athletics throughout the year.
Lag Ba’omer @ CMCA
Lag Ba’omer was filled with excitement and school spirit this year through an unforgettable Color War experience. Following a surprise team announcement at a special assembly, students arrived the next day dressed in their team colors and ready for a full day of fun and competition.
The boys’ Color War, organized by our dedicated shluchim, featured learning, relay races, competitions, and creative skits, with Team Binah taking the win. The girls’ Color War, organized by our amazing shluchos, included activities, poster making, competitions, and skits, with Team Education earning the winning title.
More than the competition itself, the day was a beautiful celebration of friendship, teamwork, and Jewish pride.
Teacher Appreciation Week
A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and everyone who helped make this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week an unforgettable experience for our teachers. Your thoughtfulness, generosity, and support made the week truly special and created memories that will be cherished for years to come.
A big Thank You to Shifra Sharfstein for organizing and arranging this entire week!
Monday Treats:
Chaish Mentz
Wednesday Appreciation Lunch:
Rickelle New
Bobbi Livnat
Miriam Lipskier
Menucha Schwartz
Chanky Friedman
Esty Piekarski
Chani Silverman
Chaish Mentz
Yael Meyers
Shula Wasserman
Jasmine Maxwell
Mussy Zakon
Eli Brafman
Sheina Kavka
Ita Posner
Dov Barber
Golda Guterman
Aliza Afrah
Thursday Salads:
Rutie Hertz
& our amazing Massage therapists!
Friday Teacher Gifts:
Sara Loebenstein
Yael Meyers
Shula Wasserman
Happy Birthday to our students with Iyar birthdays:
Berel Jacobson – 1 Iyar
Mira Friedman – 2 Iyar
Chana Piekarski – 3 Iyar
Dalya Pinson – 9 Iyar
Dovber New – 11 Iyar
Yaira Singer – 12 Iyar
Rivkah Silverman – 14 Iyar
Sara New – 14 Iyar
Simon Jacobson – 16 Iyar
Ari Gurary – 17 Iyar
Eli Sollish – 20 Iyar
Leah Shemtov – 22 Iyar
Esther Sharfstein – 23 Iyar
Leba Pinson – 23 Iyar
Levi New – 26 Iyar
The Latest On Instagram!
FOLLOW ALONG @CMCHatlanta
