R’ Yisroel Shemtov’s Sukkos Appeal

Rabbi Yisroel Shemtov will once again be organizing and leading the Simchas Beis Hashoeva celebrations in the Crown Heights neighborhood.

“Rabbi Shemtov has been organizing Simchas Beis Hashoeva for 34 years,” Zaki Tamir told COLlive. “To bring achdus to the neighborhood, we are making arrangements so that everyone can feel part of it.”

Thousands attend the annual musical celebration on Kingston Avenue between Crown and Montgomery Streets, with joyous dancing accompanied by known singers and musicians.

Each night of Chol Hamoed Sukkos, people stream to the Brooklyn neighborhood from throughout the New York tri-state area to participate in the event which the Rebbe encouraged many times.

Shemtov has assumed not only the task of coordinating the 4-night event, but has personally undertaken the financial responsibility as well.

Shemtov says the costs must be covered by private donations, especially from community members who know it’s a project that the Rebbe held so dear. Still, the donations do not nearly cover the vast expense incurred each year, and Shemtov has personally laid out over $30,000 to cover the difference.

“Each year, Simchas Bais Hashoeva costs over $25,000 to run,” Shemtov told COLlive. “I am asking all who are close to the Rebbe to feel a personal obligation to participate generously in this vital project.”

Checks may be written to LYO (Lubavitch Youth Organization) or to Yisroel Shemtov, and should be sent to Y. Shemtov at 1594 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY 11213. For more information you may contact Rabbi Shemtov at 917-755-0007.

Special thanks to CH Houseware and Hardware store for allowing the stage to be set up partially covering the front window of his store. The store will be open Erev Sukkos and throughout Chol Hamoed.