The other day a year Jew

It’s been said that there are two day a year Jews, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Jews.  It’s also been said that if you are only going to go twice a year make it Purim and Simchas Torah – the food is better and it’s much more fun!

Simchas Torah is Monday night and Tuesday – October 21 and 22.  I hope you’ll celebrate somewhere this Simchas Torah but it’s also been said if you haven’t seen Simchas Torah at Chabad, you ain’t never seen Joy! So I hope to see you at our Simchas Torah Celebrations.

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Simchas Torah is not one of the big 613 from the Torah, nor is it even a Rabbinic Mitzvah and yet it occupies such a significant role in our tradition that it is the holiday that is the bookend that closes out the High Holiday Season. 

What is it about Simchas Torah that is so significant?

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In new relationships communication is critical.  You articulate your desires and your needs to your loved one.  As time goes on and familiarity sets in, all that’s needed is a little hint.  A relationship that is seasoned doesn’t even require a hint. The loved ones are so in tune with each other that they know without it being requested or even hinted to what is desired or needed.

In a similar fashion the commandments of the Torah represent Hashem articulating clearly what He needs from us; the relationship is real but not that deep yet.  The Rabbinic commandments represent a deeper dimension. Hashem doesn’t need to tell us what He needs but He just hints to it and we pick up the cue.  

When our relationship is on the deepest level, we don’t even need a hint, we just naturally do what Hashem wants.  

This is Simchas Torah. It represents the profound relationship we’ve achieved with Hashem after the intense bonding on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  We’ve achieved even a deeper connection sitting together with each other, Hashem’s children, in the Sukkah.

Now on Simchas Torah we are at the deepest dimension of our relationship with Hashem and we break out with dancing and love just Hashem wants even without the need for Him to ask it of us.

So let’s show some love together!

See you Monday night at 7:30 PM for Kiddush and Hakafos followed by all night dancing!
Come back Tuesday at 9:30 AM as we dance again and complete the reading of the Torah!

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!