At JCRC and Co-Hosts' Lights of Unity Event, Jewish & Hindu New Yorkers Celebrate Sukkot & Diwali

QUEENS, NY (10/27/2025) (readMedia)-- On Sunday, New York's Jewish and Hindu communities, along with elected officials, came together in a shared celebration of Sukkot and Diwali at Lights of Unity: A Hindu & Jewish Cultural Celebration. The vibrant gathering brought diverse communities together in Queens for a joyful and educational experience celebrating the shared themes of the Sukkot and Diwali holidays: the joy and preciousness of life, the gifts of light and the annual harvest season, and the warmth of family gatherings.

The celebration was co-hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) and the Hindu Temple Society of North America, New York, and co-sponsored by UJA-Federation of New York, the Queens Jewish Community Council, Queens College, and Queens Hillel.

After the co-hosts and co-sponsors greeted attendees, the Hindu Temple Society led everyone in the symbolic lighting of the lamps, a Hindu tradition on Diwali that represents the triumph of good over evil. The Consul General of India to New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar, and Council Members Shekar Krishnan and Jim Gennaro gave warm remarks. JCRC-NY then shared more about the cultural significance of Sukkot, and attendees watched an informative video on the meaning of Diwali.

The event concluded with a series of performances: musical performances from Tizmoret A Capella of Queens Hillel and Ms. Kumudha Vinod & Team Musical Ensemble, and a dance performance of the traditional Indian bharatanatyam from student dancers led by Ms. Mathy Pilla.

"It was truly inspiring to see our Jewish and Hindu communities come together in joy and friendship," said Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY. "Sukkot and Diwali both celebrate light, hope, and gratitude - values that connect us all. Events like this remind us that when we come together to share our traditions, we strengthen the bonds that make New York such a special place. I want to thank the Hindu Temple Society for their partnership, our wonderful co-sponsors and performers, and all the community members and elected officials who joined us to celebrate this beautiful afternoon of unity."

"Deepavali (aka Diwali) is a Hindu annual festival known as the "Festival of Lights" to celebrate the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness - both in the world and in our hearts. On this day, many people pray to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune. They express their thanks and gratitude to Goddess Lakshmi and ask for happiness and prosperity for everyone. For some Hindus, Deepavali also marks the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one, called Vikrama Samvatsara. It's like a New Year celebration! We're thrilled to have co-hosted today's wonderful event and look forward to our continued partnership with JCRC," said M R Ravi Vaidyanaat, Director of Religious Affairs at the Hindu Temple Society.

"I'm proud to join JCRC in celebrating Diwali and Sukkot at a beautiful celebration that reflects and celebrates the diversity that makes our city the one we all love. As the City Council Member representing some of the most diverse neighborhoods in the world, I am proud to be in solidarity with our Jewish and Hindu neighbors to honor these important holidays," said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, District 25.

"The light of Diwali and the sukkah of Sukkot remind us of what faith truly offers: illumination, shelter, and renewal. Just as Diwali's lamps push back darkness, the sukkah symbolizes protection, community, and the strength of faith in uncertain times. I led and won the fight to make Diwali a school holiday in New York - an historic victory that became a national phenomenon as other states followed our lead and recognized the Festival of Lights. Today, as Diwali and Sukkot shine together, we affirm our shared value of inclusivity. We pray that light and unity will forever guide our shared future as one human family," said Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar.

"The Queens Jewish Community Council is delighted to partner with the JCRC-NY and our brothers and sisters of the Hindu faith to celebrate Diwali and Sukkot together. These Autumn festivals spread light and joy and remind us that our shared experiences bring us together in very special ways," said Barry Grodenchik, President of the Queens Jewish Community Council.

"While Diwali and Sukkot are holidays rooted in different faiths, they share beautiful common themes of light, gratitude, and divine protection. Both festivals bring families and communities together to celebrate the presence of the divine and the triumph of goodness. We are deeply honored to help bring these two proud communities together in a spirit of unity and joyous celebration My sincere thanks to the co-sponsors - The Hindu Temple Society of North America, Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, Queens Hillel, Queens Jewish Community Council, and UJA-Federation of New York - for making this event possible," said Frank H. Wu, President, Queens College, The City University of New York

"It is heartwarming to help bring together the Jewish and Hindu communities in joyful celebration and camaraderie. Sukkot and Diwali underline our shared values and showcase the vibrant diversity of our city. UJA-Federation of New York is deeply grateful to JCRC-NY and the Hindu Temple Society for their collaboration, as well as the dedicated community members and public officials whose efforts made this event a reality," said Hindy Poupko, Senior Vice President, Community Organizing and External Relations, UJA-Federation of New York