By Samuel Gelman
Senior Program Manager
Office of Student Life
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the , in collaboration with the Office of Student Life (OSL), hosted its annual Hanukkah takeover of the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Over 1,000 people attended the joyous evening, bringing together undergraduate students from across ’s various programs, as well as faculty, staff, rabbis and their families.
As part of the Together with Israel initiative, over 100 adults and children who were impacted by the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel – including those who lost family in the attack, those who have been displaced from their homes and those who have family currently serving in the Israeli Defense Force – were invited to join the celebration.
Many students spent the evening engaging with those families and their children, offering both the youngsters and their parents a ray of light during a time filled with darkness.
“This year’s event was even more meaningful and impactful as we shared our Hanukkah celebration with the families impacted by the war in Israel,” said Dr. Jonathan Schwab, director of the Office of Student Life. “We illuminated more than just the Hanukkah candles as we lit up the spirits of our students and these resilient families. Together, we celebrated the triumph of light over darkness and showcased the traditions of Hanukkah and the values of the community.”
“American Dream mall is a fantastic success each year; this year was no different,” added Avygayl Zucker, president of the Beren Campus Student Government (BCGS). “Having the opportunity to give children a fun-filled night away from the struggles they may be going through was really special. We were able to bring the light of Hanukkah not just to our peers but into the lives of many families and community members. It was definitely a night to remember.”
The event began with a candle-lighting ceremony, where student council members and those impacted by the terrorist attack were invited to the stage to light one of the six candles. After some lively singing, the Nickelodeon theme park and ice skating rink opened. Participants were also treated to latkes and donuts and explored the mall’s many attractions.
The Office of Student Life distributed Israel-themed swag, created by student designer Atarah Mandel, to all students at no cost. Students had the option of making a donation to , a charity supporting the efforts of Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, who are working to release their son Hersh and the 100+ other hostages currently being held captive by Hamas.
This was the third consecutive year that rented the American Dream Mall for Hanukkah. The idea was originally spearheaded by Rabbi Herschel Hartz, former assistant director of the Office of Student Life, who currently serves as program administrator of Undergraduate Torah Studies (UTS).
“The American Dream Takeover is one of the events that students look forward to all year long,” noted Rikki Kolodny, executive vice president of the BCSG. “I was so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this great event that brings students from both campuses, different backgrounds and learning levels all together to celebrate Hanukkah with their family.”
The American Dream Takeover was one of several Hanukkah events coordinated by the student councils. On Monday, Dec. 11, the Student Organization of Yeshiva (SOY), in collaboration with UTS, organized the Hanukkah Mesiba on the Wilf Campus, a celebration of music and dance in which students, rabbis and teachers participated. On the Beren Campus, the Torah Activities Council (TAC) organized the Hanukkah Chagiga, which included festive dancing with Judaic Studies faculty and staff. TAC and SOY also ran Hanukkah sales leading up to the holiday, selling menorahs, oil and candles to their fellow students at discounted prices.
Other Hanukkah-themed events held throughout the week included a Texans vs. Jets Hanukkah Extravaganza, a night of learning on the Beren Campus, a Hanukkah concert with the Music Club and various giveaways!
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(left) Israeli family impacted by the war participates in candle-lighting ceremony; (right) A student proudly wears a "Stronger Together" sweatshirt sold at the event to raise money for the “Bring Hersh Home” charity.
