Yeshivat Torat Chaim Marks Chol HaMoed With Simchat Beit Hashoeva in Hillcrest

On Tuesday of Chol HaMoed Sukkot, Yeshivat Torat Chaim in Hillcrest filled with barbecue smoke, song, and dancing as talmidim, rebbeim, and neighbors celebrated a Simchat Beit Hashoeva, Bukharian Jewish Link reported Oct. 7, 2026.

The evening began outdoors with a gala barbecue and continued inside the Torah Center building. Rav Shalom Khaimov, rosh yeshivah and dean, welcomed the gathering and introduced Rabbi Leeor Dahan of Kehilat Avodat Hashem in Hillcrest. Khaimov spoke about experiencing Yamim Tovim joy in a way that carries into everyday learning.

Yeshivat Torat Chaim launched in 2025 to serve Queens’ Bukharian community with a mesivta program combining limudei kodesh, character development, and general studies—an identity documented in BJL’s earlier launch coverage of Rav Khaimov’s school.

Rabbi Dahan linked the yeshivah’s presence to the later opening of Kollel Chazon Yosef and a stronger local limud Torah atmosphere. Also attending were Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov of Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim and Rabbi Yaniv Meirov of Congregation Charm Circle, both in Kew Gardens Hills—ties that place the Hillcrest simchah inside the broader Queens Bukharian and Sephardic Torah network.

BJL framed the night as what the school wants students to remember: serious learning paired with friendship and belonging beyond the classroom.

Sources: BJL community report; BJL launch feature (school mission).