NYC Shuls Request That Chabad Not Come To Them on Tahalucha
by CrownHeights.info
Multiple shuls and congregations across New York City that normally see an influx of Chabad Chassidim on Simchas Torah, have requested that this years Tahalucha not come.
“After consulting with Rabbanim, Shluchim, and Shul leaders around New York who have clearly asked that the Tahalucha not come to their area this Simchas Torah, particularly because of the latest health developments, and after listening the opinion of medical professionals, it has become abundantly clear that this year there a different approach must be taken,” said Rabbi Kirschenbaum of Chabad of Chabad Heights in an email request to the Chassidim.
While this Chabad House is the closest to Crown Heights, others across the city have already asked that nobody come.
Congregation B’nai Jacob of Park Slope and Congregation B’nai Avraham of Brooklyn Heights also made the request, starting off with a thank you for the years of tahalucha. “Congregation B’nai Jacob of Park Slope and Congregation B’nai Avraham of Brooklyn Heights would truly like to thank you for all the years that you have come to bring the joy of Simchas Torah to our shul and community,” they wrote in an email. “To avoid an unnecessary walk, we would like to let you know that due to the Covid-19 health situation, we will NOT be having normal hakafos in our shuls. So please, there is no need to come to Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights this year on Simchas Torah.”
Other shuls, including in Flatbush and Manhattan, have also requested people not come.
In response, Lubavitch Youth announced changes to how Tahalucha will be run, including severe limitations to locations where people will be allowed to go.
From the Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights Community
To all Crown Heights residents:
Congregation B’nai Jacob of Park Slope and Congregation B’nai Avraham of Brooklyn Heights would truly like to thank you for all the years that you have come to bring the joy of Simchas Torah to our shul and community.
To avoid an unnecessary walk, we would like to let you know that due to the Covid-19 health situation, we will NOT be having normal hakafos in our shuls.
So please, there is no need to come to Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights this year on Simchas Torah.
Once again, thank you for your love, support, and concern. BUT WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU PLEASE NOT COME. We look forward to dancing with you in Yerushalayim in the coming years.
Chag Sameach!
Congregation B’nai Jacob
401 9th Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Congregation B’nai Abraham
117 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn NY 11201
Rabbi Ari Kirschenbaum – Chabad Heights
Dear Anash, Guests & Temimim Sheyichyu,
We all understand the great importance of the Simchas Torah Tahalucha and how near and dear it is to the Rebbe.
After consulting with Rabbanim, Shluchim, and Shul leaders around New York who have clearly asked that the Tahalucha not come to their area this Simchas Torah, particularly because of the latest health developments, and after listening the opinion of medical professionals, it has become abundantly clear that this year there a different approach must be taken.
Chabad Heights, located at 664 Sterling Place in Prospect Heights and the closest Chabad House to 770, will unfortunately not be hosting our usual welcoming Tahalucha and lavish spread to the Crown Heights and surrounding Shul communities. The decision was made in the best interest and well-being of the members of our community to ensure their safety and health.
And just as you have made a Kiddush Hashem and the Rebbe proud with your participation in the past, this year you have the incredible and rare opportunity of doing so by refraining, and instead celebrating in your own Shul and community.
With best wishes for a healthy and joyous Yom Tov
Rabbi Ari Kirschenbaum
Chabad Heights
