Dancing For Those Who Can’t, Crown Heights Unites For Unity Hakafa

Close to 1,200 men, women, and children gathered on Simchas Torah in a powerful display of unity, dancing for those who can no longer dance and reciting the 12 Psukim in the streets of Crown Heights.

In commemoration of the first anniversary of Simchas Torah 5784—the worst massacre to befall Am Yisroel since the Holocaust—the Anash community of Crown Heights came together to show solidarity with one another and with Klal Yisroel.

Despite the pain from last year—over 1,200 killed and hundreds taken hostage, along with the loss of soldiers fighting in Gaza and Lebanon—the community demonstrated true Achdus, and Simcha, fostering connections among themselves and with Klal Yisroel.

The initiative was led by Reb Shlomo Wolvovsky and R’ Binyomin Levin of Bais Shneur/ULY, alongside Rabbi Lazer Avtzon of Cong. Merkaz Sefarad, who organized the Achdus Hakafa to unite local Shuls within a one-block radius of Crown and Albany.

Private messages were sent to nearby Shuls, resulting in a unanimous and enthusiastic response, which led to outreach to additional Shuls in the area.

Ultimately, 11 Shuls participated in the event, including Avreichim, Beinoni, Beis Levi Yitzchok, Beis Shea, Beis Shneur, Chevra Ahavas Yisroel, Merkaz Sefarad, Ohel Nosson, The Mitzvah Center, The Shalom Center, and The Shull.

Special thanks to Rabbi Yaacov Behrman of JFA for helping coordinate the logistics and to the New York Police Department. The intersection of Crown and Albany was filled with Anash dancing with their children.

This event was a true Kiddush Hashem and Kiddush Shem Lubavitch, as close to 1,200 people danced to the songs of הושיע את עמך, עוצו עצה ותופר, פרזות תשב ירושלים, the joyous melodies of Simchas Torah, and the tune of R’ Levik (the Rebbe’s father) along with the message, “We Want Moshiach Now.” Children also recited the 12 Psukim.