In the weeks following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Jewish holiday of Simhat Torah provided a significant moment of communal gathering in New York City. The holiday, which marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, is traditionally celebrated with singing and dancing.

According to reports from the Times of Israel, the 2001 celebrations were notable for bringing together a wide variety of Jewish New Yorkers who typically worshipped in separate circles. Participants described a 'shul crawl'—a series of visits to different synagogues—that fostered a sense of solidarity and connection during a period of intense national mourning and uncertainty. The atmosphere was characterized by a mix of religious observance and a shared desire for human connection in the wake of the city's tragedy. While the holiday is always a time of joy, the 2001 events are remembered by those present as a unique 'mishmash' of people who sought comfort in their collective traditions and public presence on the streets of New York.