Dancing and mourning

On Simchat Torah this year we will be dancing because that is what we have joyfully done for centuries and no evil people will take that away from us as long as we have breath in our body.

We will also be remembering in our hearts all those souls slaughtered in a 21st-century pogrom that we never in our worst dreams thought to witness in our lifetimes.

Judaism can at times ask us to hold opposite and paradoxical thoughts in our heart (wave/particle). God is both merciful and strict. The sukkah is both a temporary hut and our furnished home for the week. Judaism is both a race and a religion.

This year, Simchat Torah is a day of joy with an underlay of mourning.
We do not customarily mourn on a festival but the shadow is there.

This duality already arose a few weeks ago when I joined Chabad of Larnaca, Cyprus, for Rosh Hashanah.

The rabbi, Rabbi Raskin, had traveled on the morning of Rosh Hashanah eve to the Secret Forest spa in Cyprus to be with 50 parents of hostages. Responding to their pain, he promised them that over Rosh Hashanah we would pray for their children.

At the opening of the first night’s meal, he asked us to take a minute of silence to think and pray for them.

Afterwards I asked him whether he had debated with himself because we do not normally insert sombre practices into a festival meal. He replied that he had not debated for a second, and quoted this Zohar (III 75:1):

Rabbi Elazar said: “Weeping is lodged in one side of my heart, and joy is lodged in the other.”

The message of ichud hafachim, holding opposites simultaneously.

* * *

“El Nora Alila“: God of Awesome – also Terrible – Deeds

As a believer, I have been broken all year. I have been reflecting all year on what all this means. I am still reflecting.

But one can dance while reflecting; and the dance may change the reflection.

Chag Sameach to all of the House of Israel and to those who love us (thank you).

May we mourners be comforted in our tradition: our living ancient tradition of choosing joy in the face of hatred and persecution.