Record-Breaking Pegisha Celebrated Pride, Purpose, Unity

This past weekend, nearly 2,000 Jewish college students from across the globe along with over 200 Shluchim and Shluchos descended on Crown Heights, for Chabad on Campus International’s annual Shabbaton, highlighting the power of Jewish students in purpose, pride, and unity.

This past weekend, nearly 2,000 Jewish college students from across the globe along with over 200 Shluchim and Shluchos descended on Crown Heights, Brooklyn, for Pegisha, Chabad on Campus International’s annual Shabbaton. With unprecedented participation, inspiring guest speakers, and a powerful focus on Jewish identity, this year’s event was unlike any Pegisha before it—both in scope and in spirit.

Pegisha is the largest annual gathering of Jewish students in the world, with historic participation in Pegisha 2024. Initially capped at 1,300 participants, registration for Pegisha 2024 reached full capacity within weeks. Yet, thanks to a remarkable pivot by organizers, the event was expanded to accommodate another 700 students, almost doubling its original size. This necessitated the use of additional venue space for Shabbos programming, with Oholei Torah and Razag Ballroom in Crown Heights serving as hubs for the weekend.

“Pegisha isn’t just a weekend event,” said Rabbi Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus International. “It’s a reminder to every Jewish student that they are part of something greater, something strong, something eternal. The resilience and unity shared at this gathering are carried back to campuses worldwide, empowering students to feel more connected, confident, and proud of who they are as Jewish people. They return prepared to live their heritage openly and share that message with their peers.”

The weekend began Friday morning at the Jewish Children’s Museum, where students checked in, received branded swag, and mingled over breakfast. Some set off for a Manhattan bus tour, proudly showcasing their Chabad on Campus beanies and yarmulkes at Times Square and other landmarks. Others explored the heart of Crown Heights, visiting iconic sites such as 770, the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s study, and the community’s stunning new mikvah.

Friday afternoon, the Pegisha kickoff featured a vibrant performance by Chassidic rapper Ari Lesser and singer Eli Marcus, along with a captivating live sand art demonstration by Naomi Zeivald in one venue, and a musical performance by Benny Friedman and singer Peretz Chein in another venue. As Shabbos began, women lit candles dedicated in memory of Mrs. Charlotte Rohr, mother of Chabad on Campus’ chief benefactor, Mr. George Rohr. Lively Kabbolas Shabbos services erupted from there, followed by Kiddush, giving students the change to mingle and meet other students and sweeping students into the fervor and sanctity of a Shabbat with their tribe.

Students then experienced authentic Shabbos meals with local host families, a highlight of the weekend. “The warmth and openness of the Crown Heights community were extraordinary,” said one participant. “It felt like coming home.” Following dinner, students returned for an interactive Farbrengen game followed by lively farbrengens late into the night.

Shabbos day began with inspiring sessions on Chassidus, including a standout talk by Rabbi Justice Marcus Solomon, the first Orthodox Rabbi to serve as a Supreme Court justice. As a former yeshiva bochur in 770, Rabbi Solomon shared his journey from the shtetl-like streets of Crown Heights to the halls of Australian justice.

Later, thousands gathered for a festive Shabbos lunch, where spirited singing and camaraderie turned the meal into an unforgettable celebration of Jewish unity. Afternoon sessions delved into topics ranging from leadership to campus activism, with notable speakers such as Sivan Rahav-Meir, a renowned Israeli journalist.

Rivkah Krinsky, a health coach and podcast host, moderated a fascinating conversation with senior representatives from multiple Crown Height organizations, including Hatzalah, Shomrim, and Bikur Cholim.

Motzoei Shabbos brought the event to a crescendo with a mega Havdalah ceremony at Razag Ballroom. Singer Eli Marcus led the crowd of nearly 2,000 students in rousing song and dance, channeling the energy of Shabbos into the week ahead. But the night wasn’t over. Students headed to the cavernous hall of the Bedford Armory just down the street for a late-night event called “Pegisha Vibe,” an afterparty featuring food, DJ Shatz, arts and crafts booths, and custom airbrushed beanies.

Sunday offered students an opportunity for deep reflection. The day began at the Bedford Armory with an inspiring program featuring Sivan Rahav-Meir, Kibbutz Be’eri survivor and singer Daniel Wais, student activist Danielle Sobkin, and musician Ari Lesser, before students visited the Rebbe’s Ohel. The sacred, introspective experience allowed participants to process the weekend’s impact and commit to personal resolutions inspired by the weekend and being in such close contact with the Rebbe.

“This weekend was transformative,” said Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International. “It’s not just about the connections made here, but about the energy students will bring back to their campuses. Pegisha is a launchpad for lasting Jewish pride and involvement.”

None of this would have been possible without the Crown Heights community, whose hospitality provided thousands of meals, beds, and meaningful conversations. “The hachnasas orchim shown by the Crown Heights families was remarkable,” said one organizer. “Their warmth created an atmosphere that students will carry with them for a lifetime.”

Pegisha 2024 wasn’t just an event; it was a movement. As students left Crown Heights, they carried with them the Rebbe’s enduring message: every Jew matters, and every action can illuminate the world. Pegisha 2024 was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when Jewish students come together with purpose, pride, and unity.