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Preparation
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Prayer
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Preparation...but for what?
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Biala member
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Annual reunion
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Helping a child
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Deep in discussion
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Biala reunion
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The Rebbe enters...
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Lauding the Rebbe's accomplishments
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Aha! A modern version of the traditional Lag BaOmer bonfire!
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...which cues up a powerful Yiddish band!
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...and the dancing begins in earnest
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...and signing with gusto...
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...with children held high - because children are part of the Lag BaOmer celebration
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Celebrants unaware of the humorous juxtaposition with the poster behind them
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Dancing and singing and camaraderie are important parts of the celebration.
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...after which there is a "tish" - a celebratory ritual "dinner" with the Rebbe - fueled by what is a series of traditional Jewish delicacies - including the what arguably are the world's biggest potato kugels!
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Inside a gymnasium, the faithful aware the Rebbe
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With elders and several grandsons looking on.
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Discussion among some Biala elders
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Interestingly, the older men don't have the distinctive Hasidic "payahs" (sideburn curls)
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...well, at least some of the elders don't - but others do
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A father fingers the curls on the forehead of his 3-year-old son - and from deep in the recesses of my religious upbringing, it dawns on me what is about to happen...
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The Rebbe enters the gym...
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...and the kids are clearly in as much awe as the adults
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The Rebbe's entry is greeted by singing and dancing by the younger men in the stands
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But the centers of attention quickly change to the 3-year-old boys near where the Rebbe will sit. The only females in close attendance are the young daughters held by some fathers.
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Even the children seem to sense something is about to happen...
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,,,and the singing seems to intensify the atmosphere
