280 Shuls Welcome 3500 Chassidim For Simchas Torah Tahalucha
280 Shuls across New York City welcomed over 3,500 Chabad Chassidim as they took part in Tahalucha this Simchas Torah to share the Rebbe’s message and the joy of Yom Tov.
The Tahalucha—literally “march”—has been a beloved Chabad tradition since the early years of the Rebbe’s leadership. The Rebbe repeatedly spoke of its importance, expressing deep appreciation for those who participated in bringing the spirit of Chassidus and Yom Tov to communities throughout the city.
Each Tahalucha is unique in its mission. Regarding Simchas Torah, the Rebbe emphasized that participants should carry the special joy of the day to Jews everywhere, ensuring that every shul could celebrate with the warmth and energy of Simchas Torah.
In earlier years, the Rebbe would stand at the entrance of 770 Eastern Parkway to personally encourage participants as they set out singing toward their destinations, and on occasion, welcome them back upon their return.
The Rebbe first publicly referenced the Tahalucha during the Farbrengen of Shavuos 5715 (1955), when he thanked the newly established Lubavitch Youth Organization—known also as Tzeirei Agudas Chabad —for organizing the march and invited all participants to say L’chaim.
This year, in the days leading up to Yom Tov, the Lubavitch Youth Organization (LYO) received numerous calls from rabbis across the city requesting that Tahalucha groups visit their congregations. “You bring a special life and joy that our shul looks forward to every year,” many rabbis stated.
Chassidim walked for hours to reach neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs, including Manhattan’s East Side, Boro Park, Brownsville, The Bronx, Brighton Beach, Howard Beach, Manhattan Beach, Starrett City, Flatbush, Canarsie, Queens, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Ridgewood, and Sheepshead Bay. Along the way, they sang and danced, spreading the Yom Tov joy to hundreds of people who joined in their celebration.
Following Yom Tov, positive feedback poured in said Rabbi Kasriel Kastel, from rabbis and community members citywide. Many shared that the visiting Chassidim uplifted their entire congregations, staying through the end of Hakafos and inspiring renewed Yom Tov enthusiasm.
In smaller communities struggling to maintain a minyan, visiting bochurim and yungerleit helped complete the Minyan, bringing vitality and encouragement to congregants. “It’s remarkable to see how the Rebbe’s light and foresight continues to illuminate tens of thousand of yidden, said Rabbi Shlomo Friedman, administrator of LYO.
For participants walking to Manhattan, a special Kiddush was hosted at Beis Shlomo Zalman – Litowicker Shul on Delancey Street, at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge.
The Kiddush was dedicated in memory of HaChassid Reb Michel Raskin by the Raskin family of Melbourne and Rabbi Menachem Amar.
Rabbi Yossi Butman, coordinator of the Lubavitch Youth Organization – Tahalucha office, extended thanks to the NYPD and Sergeant Mike Baratta of the 71st Precinct for their ongoing cooperation and assistance in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the event.
Special thanks was given to the organizers including Rabbi Yosef Goldwasser, Rabbi Shmuly Butler and Hatamim Shmuel Bernstein, who coordinated with local rabbis, speakers, and volunteers to ensure the event’s success.
The Rebbe once explained that the Tahalucha is connected to the coming of Moshiach, symbolizing the spiritual march that will soon lead the Jewish people to redemption. As participants concluded this year’s Tahalucha, many shared the same heartfelt hope: that we soon merit to see the Rebbe once again leading us on the ultimate Tahalucha with the coming of Moshiach now.
