Simchat Torah 2024, Part II: We Laughed and We Cried
Today is Sunday, October 27th.
Last night, immediately after Shabbat (in the Southeastern USA), we heard the news about Israel’s early Saturday morning successful retaliation on Iranian missile batteries and military installations. It was bold, strategic and exacting.
This welcomed news which was anticipated since the October 1st Iranian missile attack on Israel, was an amazing way to begin our new year and to begin a new week following the chagim especially as we prepare to celebrate Rosh Chodesh Cheshvon this coming Friday and Shabbat.
Simchat Torah 2024 was celebrated as expected – with deep simcha and happiness and with profound emotional pain and sadness.
In preparation of this unprecedented juxtaposition of emotions, many shuls, synagogues and Batei Midrash were prepared with a variety of touching, sensitive and meaningful yom tov speeches, learning opportunities and tefillot prior to each hakafa (encirclement with the Torah).
One of the most touching and meaningful Simchat Torah hakafot I ever experienced was when the recitation of specially written thoughts about the events of October 7th preceded each hakafa. They each focused specifically to the October 7th tragedy. They related to the welfare of our IDF heroes, those who perished in the killing fields of Kibbutz Berri, and Oz, the yearning of dislocated families to return to their homes in Northern and Southern Israel, the consoling of families who lost loved ones on the battle-fields and the safe return of the hostages. There were also hakafot that yearned for the Geula (redemption) – our return to Yerushalayim and to a future of peace, calm and tranquility; and, to a world and community where achdut is the norm, not the exception.
This Simchat Torah was a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts, feelings and memories. Yes. we danced and we cried, as only the Jewish people can endure. But we also hoped in our hearts that the pain, anguish and losses will cease.
The other most striking sight and experience which stirred our hearts was when observing the manner in which friends, colleagues and congregants, young and elderly danced with the torah on Simchat Torah
There was a love and affection for the Torah like none other. Each member of the congregation was given the beautiful opportunity to hold and dance with the Torah in a circle accompanying by familiar Jewish songs with origins in tehillim, Chumash and tefillah.
The one most incredible and memorable moments was when observing how many people were holding, carrying and dancing with the Torah – pressed tightly against their chests and cheeks as if they were singing and holding the most precious and most sacred possession in our lives.
Finally, the manner in which we were dancing hand-in-hand around the bima (center of the synagogue) was also a feeling of achdut like no other.
Following these beautifully captivating series of seven hakafot, I sat down and started thinking about the phrase Mi Kamocha Yisrael – Who is Like You O Israel – a prayer and song that celebrates the Israelites freedom after crossing the Red Sea and being rescued in Egypt. The answer to this reheritica question is Ein Kamocha –“ There is None Like You”.
The level of achdut bnai yisrael experienced that morning of Simchat Torah 2024 reminded me of the description of Bnai Yisrael as being an Ish Echad B’Lev Echad. – Like One People with One Heart. The feeling and emotion was tangible and palpable.
Going full circle…As I reflect this Sunday morning, I ask myself the question – what would it take to create and maintain a level of achdut similar to that experienced several days ago on Simchat Torah?
Does the creation and support of achdut always require tragedy, danger and pain. Why throughout our history have these harsh realities evolved to be a precursor for achdut? and, must achdut always evolve or be the end product of crisis, and existential threats and dangers?
Could it be that this reality is just an integral part of our Jewish condition? And if it is, is it even possible to achieve a level of achdult in the absence of these catalysts or harsh realities?
I for one sincerely believe we can. I also believe, as I have said and written so often, that achieving communal achdut will require an inner strength, a positive mindset and a sense of urgency that places achdut at the very top of our priority pyramid.
How we get their requires great thinking, and a true willingness as well as bold actions and creativity – all of which are within our reach.
So….as we reflect on Simchat Torah 2024 and in anticipation of Rosh Chodesh this week, let us hope and pray that HaShem grant Acheinu B’nai Yisrael with lasting shalom, bracha and achdut.
It is our hope and prayer that Simchat Torah 2025 will be one of true simcha and dancing…. with no tears of sadness but rather with happiness and unlimited bracha, nachat, shalom and simcha.
Rosh Chodesh Tov.