Thousands from around the world gather in New Square for Torah procession

The Village of New Square will be shut down for a majority of the next two days due to a religious event.

Julia Rosier

Feb 26, 2025, 3:47 AM

Updated 6 hr ago

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The Village of New Square will be shut down for a majority of the next two days due to a religious event.
"Every time a Torah gets completed, the writing gets completed, and it takes a year and it costs almost $100,000," says Yossi Gestetner, public affairs spokesperson for the village. "It gets taken into a designated shul synagogue with singing and dancing."
The procession of the new Torah is bringing people from all around the world.
"Everyone from around the globe, literally, from Israel, England, Canada and across the United States, who have any relationship in the following of New Square is now in the neighborhood," says Gestetner.
Officials say the new Torah will be at the Congregation of New Square, a recently built synagogue.
"A Torah is being designated to a specific synagogue and especially one that has been written by the Grand Rabbi or for the Grand Rabbi, which hasn't been done before," says Gestetner.
The procession is happening on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Officials want the public to be aware of road closures and traffic. "It's going to be mayhem," says Gestetner.
New Square is part of the town of Ramapo. All village roads will be closed Tuesday night from 5 p.m. to midnight and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until midnight. They are expecting heavy traffic on Route 45. "If people live in that area, we will not be allowing turns from Route 45 into certain roads starting around 6 p.m. tonight," says Michael Specht, Ramapo town supervisor.
Officials say there will be heavy security from multiple law enforcement agencies.
"Monitor the situation as we would for any large event," says Specht.
There are also shuttle buses from Clover Stadium to the procession.