Stony Brook University celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month with its third annual Big Jewish Block Party on May 8. The event, held at the Staller Steps, attracted hundreds of students and community members for an afternoon of cultural activities. Music, food, art, and interactive events were part of the celebration aimed at honoring Jewish identity and heritage.
The event was organized by Stony Brook Hillel in collaboration with student organizations such as the Jewish Student Association, Chabad at Stony Brook, SAMi Sephardic Jewish Club, and Seawolves for Israel. Jessica Lemons, executive director of Hillel, remarked on the significance of the gathering: “This is our third annual Big Jewish Block Party in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month... It’s an opportunity to come together and celebrate Jewish American heritage, Jewish identity, and Jewish joy.”
Participants enjoyed a variety of activities including a kosher falafel food truck, inflatable mechanical bull ride, photo booth, claw machine, and a mini shuk offering sweets and dried fruits. Art and culture were also featured through a student art museum and interactive stations for tie-dye and fabric keychain making.
Lemons highlighted the inclusive nature of the event: “We wanted to include something for everyone... Tie-dye and keychain-making honor the contributions of early Jewish immigrants who worked in New York’s garment district.” Community partners like the Family Service League and Suffolk Y JCC participated by tabling at the event.
Arin Pogany, a Jewish Education Fellow who led the tie-dye table, emphasized its cultural importance: “May is Jewish American Heritage Month. We are a minority in America, and our heritage is super important to us.”
Student involvement was central to organizing the festivities. Shani Abraham from Seawolves for Israel noted that the event showcased the strength of Stony Brook's Jewish community: “This event... means bringing everyone — even if they’re not Jewish — together.”
The celebration underscored both diversity within Stony Brook's student body and university support for inclusive cultural experiences. Lemons expressed gratitude towards university support: “We’re really lucky that we have such a great relationship with the university.”
Hillel invites all students to participate in future events at their Interfaith Center located in the Student Union. As Pogany stated: “Our door is always open — come hang out, ask questions, and celebrate with us.”