Gov. Jon Corzine was clearly in the mood for celebration when he came to the Chabad House Jewish student center at Rutgers University Oct. 9 to celebrate Sukkot.

The governor was greeted by warm applause as he entered the sukka in back of the Chabad House on the New Brunswick campus, spending at least 10 minutes greeting eager supporters, who had been dining on a holiday meal of kosher sushi.

With a kipa perched on his head, the governor made his way to the podium as the Sandy Shmuely Orchestra played. Afterward, Corzine showed he knew how to party with the Jewish community as he joined rabbis and other men in dancing energetic horas, even allowing himself to be pulled into the center of the circle.

“This is a celebration by the community, and I try to go to as many of these as I can,” the governor told NJJN as he left the sukka. “I think one of the joys of being governor is to share with the community in such celebrations.”

Corzine also noted the importance of sharing such events with young people, and when asked why he chose this particular venue to celebrate Sukkot, added, “Rutgers is the state university.”

During his speech, Corzine touched on the ethnic diversity of New Jersey and said he had just attended a celebration for the Indian fall festival, which is commemorated at midnight.

“I like Sukkot better,” he joked. “It’s during the day.”

Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, Rutgers Chabad executive director, told the audience that Sukkot has a special place in these troubled times since it is believed that what can be accomplished through prayer and fasting can also be achieved through celebration and rejoicing. Those who spend time in a sukka, he added, tend to think about the goodness in the world.

“This day is needed,” said Carlebach. “This message is needed. This world needs more joy to break down barriers.”

Carlebach, who described himself as “a proud Jerseyite,” took a good-natured jab at New York, which got a laugh from the governor.

“You know why the people of New York are depressed? New York City is a very depressed place. It’s because they know the light at the end of the tunnel is in New Jersey.”

Carlebach, presenting Corzine with a silver Kiddush cup, made a point of noting that it was valued at under $250, the ceiling for gifts to the governor allowed by law.

“We hope and pray with the blessings of God you should lead us in this great state,” the rabbi added.

Corzine pointed out that although he is not Jewish, being in the sukka was meaningful to him. “I can’t think of a better place to be thankful for the gifts of God,” he said. He noted that people, whether Christian or Jew, were sustained by the same God who watched over the Israelites in the desert.

Corzine also used the opportunity to praise his hosts for inspiring young people to live up to high moral standards. In reference to Carlebach’s jibe, he said, “I hope to have the wisdom like the leaders of this great Chabad to make judgments better so that the light of our activities is very bright coming into New Jersey…. I’m thrilled to be here to share in the blessings we all have.”

Those attending, many of them affiliated with Chabad or Rutgers Hillel, had their own reasons for attending.

Jordan Young of Weehawken, a junior political science and history major, cited Corzine’s credentials as former CEO of Goldman Sachs.

“Whether Republican or Democrat, that’s a very big achievement, and I wanted to hear what he had to say,” he explained.

Rabbi Yakov Hilsenrath, rabbi emeritus of the Highland Park Conservative Temple, had a different spin on Cozine’s appearance. “The governor is honored for coming here,” he observed. “Coming here is part of the work of the governor, and he is honored by his presence here. Such activities contribute to the betterment of the entire community.”

And how did Hilsenrath sum up the evening?

“It’s fantastic.”