Don't be alarmed by the column of "Mitzvah Tanks" filled with Orthodox Jews parading through Manhattan right now. It is just Chabad Lubavitch's annual Mitzvah Tank Parade meant to honor the birthday of the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. And it is just in time for Passover!
But wait, you ask, what's a Mitzvah Tank? Why, it is a mobile "education and outreach center" that can also act as a mini-synagogue. Perfect for catching and converting. According to the Lubatvitchers "The Tanks are equipped with Passover needs for the upcoming holiday, including hand-baked Shmura Matzah. People also have the opportunity to don the Tefilin and pray, receive Shabbat candles and inspirational literature for Jews and non-Jews. The tanks’ rabbinical crews are certain to be busy all day." They certainly are!
The tanks—all 60+ of them—make this parade every year (and catch us off guard every year). The tour started earlier this morning in Crown Heights, crossed the Manhattan Bridge a little after noon and are now working their way up Sixth Avenue to 59th Street, at which point they'll turn back down Fifth Avenue and make their way to 23rd Street. And now you know.
