Over 300 students gathered at Rutgers Chabad on Tuesday, October 14, to celebrate Simchat Torah, a night filled with singing, dancing, and pure joy. With perfect weather and limitless energy, students celebrated both inside and outside the Chabad House, marking what became the largest Simchat Torah celebration at Rutgers.
The first four Hakafot took place inside, with singing and dancing filling the Chabad cafeteria. After the fourth Hakafa, the crowd moved out onto College Avenue, where the celebration continued. There, students danced under the stars, singing Hoshia Es Amecha, Ani Maamin, We Want Moshiach Now, Vehi Sheamda, and more.
This year’s Simchat Torah carried extra emotion, as it came just one day after the remaining 20 living hostages were released. Rabbi Goodman reflected, “This year, our students made history, creating the largest Simchat Torah celebration ever at Rutgers! Over 300 students filled the Chabad House with singing, dancing, and incredible energy that soon spilled out into the streets of Rutgers, lighting up the night with pure Jewish pride and unity. The joy was truly unparalleled, clearly a heartfelt expression of gratitude and celebration as we rejoiced together over the release of the hostages and the power of Jewish spirit and togetherness! Instead of dancing FOR the hostages this holiday, we danced WITH them! And that was amazing.”
Students described the night as one of meaning, pride, and unity. “Being able to celebrate such a special holiday and show Jewish pride to the world is what I look forward to every year,” said Emma Freund, a junior.
“When you’re dancing on the street without a care what anyone else thinks, that’s when you tap into the real joy of the holiday,” shared Efraim Kooijmans.
Others reflected on the powerful unity that filled the air. “After the last few years, seeing all different kinds of Jews come together with so much joy was surreal. It really makes you appreciate the community we have here at Rutgers,” said Mitch Liebov.
“There is nothing more exhilarating, meaningful, and joyous than taking the Torahs and singing songs with the whole community in a beautiful display of gratitude and pride for who we are,” exclaimed Isaac Goldin, a senior.
For many, the timing made this Simchat Torah particularly emotional. “Simchat Torah this year was unlike any other,” said Josh Bamdas, “the ruach and everyone’s spirits were simply incredible as we celebrated our hostages coming home.” Senior Leeba Zucker agreed, sharing, “Having all the Jews dancing on the streets the day after the hostages came home made me want to participate in the pure joy felt during Hakafot. This was by far the best Simchat Torah I’ve experienced.”
The night was a powerful reminder of what Rutgers Chabad represents: a place of Jewish pride, unity, and resilience. As students carried the Torah down College Avenue, their voices and footsteps echoed an impactful message: the Jewish spirit dances on, stronger and prouder than ever.
