Something is cooking in the state of Denmark. In recent years the Chabad-sponsored Lag Baomer barbecue has become a central event in Copenhagen with organization leaders, congregation rabbis and Israeli dignitaries joining the Jewish community for a spring outing on the anniversary of the passing of Jewish mystic and scholar, Rabbi Shimon bar-Yochai. This year the cookout, held in the city's main park, Fellaedparken, brought out more than 300 participants, eager to study, sing, grill, and kick around the football.

Rabbi Yitzchok Lowenthal, his wife, Chabad co-director Rochel Lowenthal, and their two children established the Chabad Center of Denmark (they call it "ChabaDenmark") three and half years ago, for the benefit of the 8000 local Jews. The center provides regular Torah classes, shabbatons and a summer camp.

In three years, the Lowenthals' Lag Baomer barbecue has grown from a small, humble gathering to one of the Danish Jewish community's most anticipated annual events.

"Before we arrived in Copenhagen, most local Jews knew little about Lag Baomer," says Rabbi Lowenthal. "We saw this as an opportunity to bring the community together in a festive way and teach them about some of the mystical aspects of Judaism."

With the assistance of a local restaurant, the Chabad Center provided programs in the park for children, athletic events, dancing and, of course, a gala Kosher barbecue. While parents attended learning in a group, the younger members of the community participated in sporting contests, intended to recall the feats of Jewish soldiers fighting the Romans in the days of Bar Kochba, Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. With more and more Jews arriving by the hour, the Chabad cookout did not break up until late in the evening.

The Lowenthals see events such as the Lag Baomer barbecue as a crucial weapon in combating the great threat of assimilation in Copenhagen.

"The absence of anti-semitism and the 'live and let live' Danish attitude are lulling local Jews into underestimating the necessity for a good Jewish education," explains co-director Rochel Lowenthal. "Events like the annual Lag Baomer barbecue are an occasion for Danish Jews who want to explore their heritage."