And We Will Dance for Them

By Esti M.

It’s been several years now, that I’ve had the zchus to be misameach yidden on Rikers during Yom Tov, but this Tishrei I just wasn’t in the mood.

My brother was an active soldier, serving in the West Bank when October 7th happened. As sukkos approached, I wanted to tone down the excitement. I needed time to process that it’s been a whole year. Unexplainable pain combined with strength made of iron.

When the directors of Rikers mivtzoyim reached out to me, it was my first time turning down the opportunity. I just wasn’t in the mood of doing it this year.

And then I called my brother…. he wouldn’t hear of it. He told me, “Every time I heard about another mitzvah someone did for me, it gave me warmth and encouragement during those challenging times in Gaza. How much more so for those trapped in the Gazan basements. How much more so, for those who didn’t have the opportunity to live a long and fruitful life. They are begging you to go! It will be the biggest Simcha for them!”

Obviously, I went in the end. There was no way I could not.

The program was packed.
First of all, something that personally touched me, was bringing the yidden outside to the Sukkah. Shaking lulav, inside Hashem’s hug, while thinking of Israel, what could be better?

There was music, food, entertainment, magic, juggling, inspiration, davening.

What really impressed me was the Atah Hoirsaiah that happened. I’ve definitely seen a mincha minyan before on Rikers, but never Atah Horeisah, that was definitely a highlight.

One of the inmates there, expressed how he loves the energy that we bring, and how it really uplifts him. He said, “You inspire me so much, that the work you’re all doing, is pushing me to dedicate my life to helping others when I get out.”

The last thing I want to point out is the dancing. Every time I go visit, we always dance. This time it was different. Everyone in my group started off dancing. I told them, let’s dance for Israel! And they did. They really got into it. Each full circle we made, I thought of those who could not dance. I brought them into the experience so that they can be uplifted. I made a guarantee to our brothers and sisters who cannot dance, that I will be their feet. I am proud to say that I was, and I am proud to say that we danced for them!

On behalf of the team, I’d like to thank Rabbi Zalman and Shmuly Tevel for arranging this uplifting mivtzoyim. Thank you to Rabbi Kastel and the Lubavitch Youth Organization. Thank you to Avigdor Zeitlin & Orchestra for the music. Thank you to Eliyahu Joseph, Nussi Konig, and Simcha Brodt for the magical entertainment. Thank you to Mendi Gadasi and Esther Rochel Meyers for event coordination and management assistance.

Thank you to the chaplains Rabbi Kretzmer-seed, Rabbi Hecht, and Rabbi Mia Simring, together with the entire correctional staff of Rikers Island, ensuring that all the inmates have their religious needs met and taken care of.

Looking forward to celebrating the next event, with everyone on the outside in Yerushalayim!