Pegisha 2025: A Bold Celebration of Jewish Pride

Last week, nearly 2,000 Jewish college students from across the globe, along with over 300 Shluchim and Shluchos, gathered in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, for Pegisha 2025, Chabad on Campus International’s annual Shabbaton.

“Pegisha, the world’s largest annual gathering of Jewish college students, is far more than just a weekend experience,” said Rabbi Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus International. “It’s a living reminder to every Jewish student that they matter and are part of our vibrant and eternal nation. The energy, connection, and pride they experience here ripple outward, inspiring them to bring that strength back to their campuses and communities.”

This year’s theme, Geshmak to Be a Yid!, animated the event from start to finish and delivered a potent message for students to take back to their campuses.

The Pegisha experience began on Thursday evening, as early arrivals checked in at the Jewish Children’s Museum (JCM). Students checked in, picked up their Geshmak to be a Yid! Sweatshirts, reconnected with old friends and met new ones. Friday morning saw the full flow of participants arriving from over 195 campuses across the globe. Students received their Pegisha swag before heading out to visit iconic Crown Heights landmarks and the Rebbe’s room, gaining an authentic taste of Chabad life in the heart of Brooklyn.

Friday afternoon, students gathered for simultaneous Pegisha Kickoff programs at both Oholei Torah and Razag. At Oholei Torah, singer and performer Joey Newcomb led the energy with his signature humor, soulful music, and heartfelt connection to the crowd. Over at Razag, singer and songwriter Yossi Rodal brought his own dynamic style, bringing the Geshmak to Be a Yid theme to life.

As candlelighting approached, women joined together to usher in Shabbos. The beautiful candle lighting programs were dedicated in memory of Mrs. Charlotte Rohr, mother of Mr. George Rohr, Chabad on Campus’ principal benefactor. The heartfelt program was followed by lively Kabbalas Shabbos services.

Students then joined hundreds of gracious Crown Heights families for traditional Shabbos dinners, each infused with warmth, laughter, and genuine connection. Later that night, participants gathered for social programs and farbrengens that lasted late into the night, a defining feature of the Pegisha experience.

Shabbos morning began with sessions exploring Chassidus and Jewish thought, featuring presenters such as Dr. Binyomin Abrams, Mrs. Maya Namdar, Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, and Rabbi Asher and Esther Crispe, amongst others. After Shacharis and the Shabbos seudah, students enjoyed thought-provoking afternoon sessions, including “How to Stand Tall When It’s Easier to Sit Silently,” “From Cults to Cancel Culture,” and “Why Date and Marry Jewish?”, alongside student-led TED Talk-style presentations.

As Shabbos drew to a close, both tracks joined together for a Mega Musical Havdalah, led by Yossi Rodal and Joey Newcomb, in a powerful celebration of Jewish life for the nearly 2,000 students gathered. The music and celebration continued at the Bedford Armory for Pegisha Vibe – an immersive experience featuring food, crafts, and live entertainment. The night concluded with a high-energy concert by Zusha, whose soul-stirring performance left students uplifted and inspired.

Sunday offered powerful moments of reflection and renewal. At the Armory breakfast program, Zusha returned for a meaningful live podcast and performance. Yael and Matt Trusch inspired students with their stories of spiritual awakening and Jewish identity. Yael, a financial educator and host of the Jewish Money Matters podcast, spoke about shifting from material success to Torah-centered purpose, while Matt, once the most popular Western actor in Chinese films, shared his remarkable journey to discovering and embracing his Jewish roots.

The weekend concluded with a visit to the Ohel for a powerful moment of tefillah and reflection. It was the perfect ending to a weekend that had redefined and reinforced a Jewish identity for so many Jewish students.

“Pegisha is a launchpad for lasting Jewish pride and involvement,” said Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International. “What happens here doesn’t end when the weekend does. It continues in every conversation, every friendship, and every Mitzvah that follows.”

Pegisha was made possible by the extraordinary hospitality of the Crown Heights community, which opened its homes to thousands of guests. Behind the scenes, dozens of dedicated teams handled logistics, production, and security to ensure a seamless experience.

Pegisha 2025 was not just an event. It was an experience of joy and unity that will ripple across campuses worldwide. From the first song to the final bus departing the Ohel, one message resonated throughout: It’s Geshmak to be a Yid!

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