The evening was led by the menahel of the yeshivah, Rav Avraham Kaufman, who highlighted the profoundness of the day and how appropriate it is to launch the Lag B'Omer celebrations of Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai's mesirus nefesh for the Torah specifically in the yeshivah where students display such tremendous mesirus nefesh for Torah learning despite their struggles.

Rabbi Shimon Levy, CEO of Seeach Sod, commended the educational team whose passion is the result of a deep sense of mission. He then addressed the yeshivah boys, praising them for their generosity and asking them to daven on behalf of their parents and families for siyata diShmaya in all areas.

Hagaon Rav Shmuel Binyamin Sofer shlita, rosh yeshivah of Erloy, spoke passionately about the unique power of the day, quoting Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai's words in the Gemara.

Amidst joyous singing, Rav Sofer lit the bonfire along with Rabbi Shimon Levy and the yeshivah staff, and the boys continued to sing spiritedly.

Rav Yehudah Polchak, who came specially to join the boys in celebration, danced with each of the boys and gave chizzuk to everyone.

Cheder Otzar Yerushalayim celebrated a hadlakah in keeping with the school's mission to provide age-appropriate, community-centric experiences. First, the children enjoyed a fun quiz, displaying impressive knowledge of Lag B'Omer topics. The bonfire was lit, and the boys danced in happy circles around it in honor of the tanna Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai.