STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Under gray skies and the looming threat of a nor’easter, joy was not dampened as members of Staten Island’s Jewish community gathered at Congregation Toras Emes in Oakwood Sunday evening for a spirited Simchas Bais Hashoeva celebration during the Sukkot holiday — a week-long festival celebrating the harvest and commemorating the 40 years Jews spent in the desert after leaving Egypt.
Simchas Bais Hashoeva dates back to the days of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and commemorates the “Rejoicing of the Water-Drawing House” — a time when worshippers would celebrate in the Temple courtyard with song, dance and prayer.
Though centuries have passed, the spiritual core of the celebration remains the same: gratitude to God and faith in His blessings for the year ahead.
Blessed with hearty appetites, attendees partook in mouth-watering fare from throughout the universe of Jewish food — from Middle Eastern to European with a contemporary American twist.
Members of Staten Island’s Jewish community and guests gathered at Congregation Toras Emes in Oakwood to celebrate Sukkot on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.(Courtesy of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island/Annesa Ali)
The menu included a barbecue featuring lamb, beef, and chicken, alongside kugel (a baked pudding), gefilte fish, hardboiled eggs filled with red caviar, an Azerbaijani rice recipe that some are still raving about and more.
Tea with honey was the drink of the night, alongside traditionally dense, moist and spicy honey cake.
Rabbi Yochanan Ivry of Congregation Toras Emes reflected on the community’s devotion in the face of stormy weather:
“Even with the inclement weather sweeping the Northeast, the celebration and the faith are strong,” Ivry said. “This demonstrates the resolve and commitment of our community to celebrate, regardless of any challenges. Our community is a resilient community with strong values and principles. This beautiful display of faith truly reflects the spirit of the Jewish people.”
Members of Staten Island’s Jewish community and guests gathered at Congregation Toras Emes in Oakwood to celebrate Sukkot on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.(Courtesy of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island/Annesa Ali)
The Water Libation Ceremony historically symbolized prayers for life-giving rain in the coming year. Ancient sages taught that “one who has not seen the rejoicing at the Place of the Water-Drawing has never seen true rejoicing.”
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Serebryanski, Rosh Kollel of Ayshel Avraham Rabbinical Seminary and vice president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, reminded attendees of the event’s profound message:
“This gathering is a beautiful illustration of Jewish unity,” Serebryanski said. “May we be blessed with the ultimate celebration of unity with the coming of Moshiach (the messiah) and the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdosh (the two destroyed temples in Jerusalem).”
Members of Staten Island’s Jewish community and guests gathered at Congregation Toras Emes in Oakwood to celebrate Sukkot on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.(Courtesy of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island/Annesa Ali)
Sukkot itself is a festival of unity, symbolized by the Four Species — the citron, palm, myrtle and willow — which represent the diversity of the Jewish people coming together as one.
Rabbi Aharon Zeev, of Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan, spoke of the unique power of joy that comes from serving God:
“Simcha Shel Mitzvah — the joy of a commandment — is pure and unadulterated,” Zeev said. “To see the community celebrating with such enthusiasm shows that the joy comes from a deep, holy place — a joy that is not dependent on circumstances.”
Members of Staten Island’s Jewish community and guests gathered at Congregation Toras Emes in Oakwood to celebrate Sukkot on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.(Courtesy of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island/Annesa Ali)
Mendy Mirocznik, president of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), praised the diversity of participation:
“It is inspiring to see all the members of the community from all walks of Jewish life celebrate this great simcha (joyful event),” Mirocznik said. “COJO is proud to be a part of this celebration. We are also grateful to our elected officials and law enforcement for their steadfast support.”
Annesa Ali, founder and president of Making a Change with Kindness — a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering children to embrace kindness as a way of life — partnered with COJO for the event, emphasizing how faith communities can stand together:
“This event showcases the beauty of unity and cooperation, highlighting the importance of interfaith support and community solidarity,” Ali said.
Local police and community leaders also joined the festivities, offering their support for the borough’s Jewish community.
Even with rain clouds overhead, the night was full of music and dancing, showing how faith often shines the brightest during dark times.
This year’s Simchas Bais Hashoeva wasn’t just a celebration — it was a moment of joy, strength and togetherness.
Members of Staten Island’s Jewish community and guests gathered at Congregation Toras Emes in Oakwood to celebrate Sukkot on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.(Courtesy of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island/Annesa Ali)
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