‘Mitzvah Tank’ parade sweeps through NYC for pre-Passover celebration

Thousands of New Yorkers were treated to a playful pre-Passover celebration on Wednesday when a fleet of ‘Mitzvah Tanks’ - converted RVs filled with boisterous Jews handing out holiday goodies - proceeded across the city to spread Jewish joy – and plenty of matzah.

“Tanks are generally associated with war, but we've transformed them into vehicles for kindness and Jewish awareness,” said Rabbi Mordy Hirsch, director of the Mitzvah Tanks organisation.

“Each mitzvah – or good deed – we do spreads joy and kindness. These are powerful spiritual tools in the fight against darkness."

Jewish students in New York City passed out matzah from 'Mitzvah Tanks' on Wednesday as part of an early Passover celebration. (Photo: Mandi Dehan / COLlive.com)[Missing Credit]

The Mitzvah Tank Parade, part of a campaign by Chabad-Lubavitch to raise awareness about Passover, is a beloved tradition in New York City.

Organisers began the annual convoy in 1974 to lift Jewish spirits in the wake of the Yom Kippur War. It has since spread to other cities around the world, including Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto, Manchester, and even several parts of Ukraine.

This year’s parade, which kicked off in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Crown Heights before heading through Manhattan and dispersing across the five boroughs, included over 100 vehicles filled with volunteers who distributed traditional round-shaped “Shmurah Matzah” to passersby and invited them to do mitzvahs, give tzedakah and say a prayer.

The Mitzvah Tank convoy stretched for blocks in New York City on Wednesday. (Photo: Mandi Dehan / COLlive.com)[Missing Credit]

The tanks, many of which blared klezmer-style music from their speakers, also offered Jewish literature, with Jewish students onboard to answer questions about Judaism and Passover traditions.

"A recent Pew survey revealed that a quarter of all Jews aren't connected to their heritage,” said Hirsch. “We're countering this by bringing Judaism outside the synagogue walls instead of waiting for people to seek out their religion.

"Our mitzvah tanks transform everyday street corners into opportunities for connection. We're bringing the joy and spirit of Passover directly to the people and reigniting the Jewish spark within their souls."