Imagine hundreds of Jews singing and dancing with torahs on this plaza in the center of Columbia Campus. A night to remember!!
List College students have a special tradition of “Shul-hopping” on the night of Simchat Torah. List college freshman explored the many Simchat Torah celebrations on the Upper West Side including those at Temple Binei Jesherun, The Carelbach synagogue, Chabad, Hillel, and JTS among others. There was much dancing and singing all around the city with first years traveling the city together. Simchat Torah is also a popular time for people to invite friends to visit them and experience the holiday in NYC. The celebration at Hillel included hundreds of Jewish students dancing and celebrating in the Columbia student building, Alfred Learner Hall. For the final Hakafah (procession), all students danced with the Torahs to the center of Columbia campus to celebrate and wave Israeli flags. Many Columbia students stopped to watch and even join in with the festivities. After the celebration everyone dance over to the Hillel building, called the Kraft center, to hear the very end of the torah. After shul-hopping List College first years came back to MSRH for snacks in the music room. Most of us were very tired from all the fun of the night!
On Friday morning, services (and obviously more dancing) took place at Hillel and JTS. At the JTS service, one of the Jewish Life Directors of the MSRH building, Ravid Tilles was given the honor of Chatan Torah. Many List College first years went to the service to show him support during his honor. Many first years went to Hillel for a special lunch organized in honor of Simchat Torah.
What is your favorite part of Sukkot/Simchat Torah at List College? Or if you are not a student here yet, what sounds most exciting? Post in a comment below!
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