I overheard a conversation on Kingston tonight. “Simchas Beis Hashoeva always happens, why are they suddenly fundraising?” someone wondered aloud. Contrary to this belief, it didn’t just happen.
Forty-two years ago, the Rebbe expressed a desire for dancing in the streets on Chol HaMoed Sukkos. Responding to his call, a few hundred people assembled on Montgomery Street, marking the inaugural year of Simchas Beis Hashoeva in Crown Heights.
Ensuring the celebration thrived, Rabbi Yisroel Shemtov generously distributed $1,000 to each musician nightly. In subsequent years, as the event modestly grew, Rabbi Shemtov continued to shoulder the expenses. However, as the event expanded, the financial burden increased.
Recognizing the escalating costs, a group of Yeshiva students offered to support and enhance the event. Despite their initial help, the responsibility eventually reverted to Rabbi Shemtov, who has been financing the $25,000 annual expenses for the past 15 years to keep Simchas Beis Hashoeva alive.
Recently, the event has reached new heights, featuring a live stream, a full stage, top bands, and notable Jewish music stars. The setup and venues for men and women have been upgraded to ensure safety and organization for the thousands in attendance.
With growing production comes rising costs. This year’s event anticipates an expense of $72,000! So now, we turn to you, our cherished participants, to make it happen.
This year, regardless of your location, you can contribute to fulfilling the Rebbe’s vision for a vibrant Simchas Beis Hashoeva in Crown Heights by donating at Charidy.com/sbh. Your support will keep the joyous celebration alive, allowing the community to continue this beloved tradition.
Well this one is good!
Chevre let’s flood this campaign!
It goes for a good cause! The Rebbes an inyan! Lets do it!
The community can now all come together and support this initiative!
It is well known that Reb Yossi charges ZERO for his services.
He gets the Rebbe’s brochos. That all he wants in return for his nightly music which continues till 6am.
So, just because Reb Yossi may not be charging them (and how would you know that), then what about the other costs. In the bigger scheme of things, Reb Yossi not charging them is a minor cost in comparison of the other ones (other singers, musicians, stage, speakers/AV, live stream, etc).