Rabbi’s Message — 10/18/24

Posted on October 18, 2024 by Rabbi David Katz

This year Simchat Torah will be sweet but bitter, as well. A year ago on the holiday, the worst massacre of Jews took place since the Holocaust. Hostages still remain in Gaza, their fate unknown. Though we can be heartened that the leader of Hamas is no longer a part of this world, we cannot be at peace until the hostages are freed and peace comes to the region.

We are a people who understands that life is bittersweet. There is always a mixture of joy and sadness, and our rituals and holidays reflect this truth. At the conclusion of a wedding ceremony a glass is broken in order to recall the destruction of the great Temple that once stood in Jerusalem. At the Passover table we pour ten drops of wine on our plates for the lives that were lost by Egypt in the crossing of the Red Sea. And on Simchat Torah, Shavuot and Passover, even as we enjoy the harvest and change of the season, Yizkor prayers are recited. Who have we loved and is not with us now?

This past week I wrote to the Religious School parents, reminding them that though they may have insisted their children attend Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services to learn to say, “I’m sorry,” dancing with the Torahs is just as important. Simchat Torah is the only time in the Torah we are actually commanded to be happy.

So let’s do it. The Hebrew anniversary of October 7, despite the fact that the war continues and there is still great suffering, let’s dance with the Torahs. Let’s answer sadness with joy!

And this year there will be something new – a race. Who can read the last verse of Deuteronomy, run to the other end of the social hall, and read the first verse of Genesis without taking a breath? To get a head start, follow this link so you can practice before you get to the service on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.

Half of life is showing up. The other half, on Simchat Torah, is singing and dancing with joy .

 

Chag Sameach,

Rabbi David Katz