That’s What it’s all About

Simchas Torah at the Kotel in 2018 (Jerusalem Post)

Shemini Atzeres is almost upon us. Although it is the last (8^th) day of Sukkos it is really a holiday unto itself. In the Diaspera a second day is added which is uniquely called Simchas Torah for reasons beyond the scope of this post. But Shemini Atzeres is really a one day holiday that incorporates Simchas Torah.

This is the day where we gather together for the culmination of the holiday season. Every year on this day we complete the yearly Torah reading cycle and begin reading it anew. We rejoice not only because we have completed the cycle. We rejoice because of the precious gift the Torah itself is. 

Chazal tells us that the Torah is our life and the length of our days. 

The Torah is what makes us a people. It has enabled us to survive centuries of persecution via following its laws. How fortunate are we for God to have given us this gift! 

It is through the Torah that we have outlasted far more powerful nations and civilizations. Gone is the glory of ancient Egypt. Gone are the powerful ancient Greeks. Gone is the ancient Roman Empire. Gone is the mighty Spanish empire of Ferdinand and Isabella. Gone is a British Empire that was so vast that the sun never set on it. Gone are these mighty nations – some surviving only as a relic of once was. 

We – the Jewish people – a tiny nation by comparison to those great empires have survived them all – pretty much intact spiritually. The Torah has given us a way of life that has essentially been the same as it was centuries ago. Although the Torah’s applications are somewhat different in each generation - its laws are immutable.  That has given us a constancy unlike any other nation.  Which is why we have persevered despite so much adversity. 

God has kept his promise that we will never be annihilated. That is not for lack of tyrannical governments  trying.  They have. And most recently came as close as any nation ever came to doing that. But the mighty German Empire known as the 3^rd Reich that was supposed to last a thousand years has vanished. Instead of the glory it sought the 3^rd Reich is synonymous with evil. 

And here we still are. And that is where we will be in the future. Perpetuated by our Torah observance. 

This is what Shemini Atzeres - the eighth day of gathering - is really about for me. Symbolized by reading both the end and beginning of the document that makes us who we are. 

In our day the celebration has evolved into one where there is much dancing and singing. The more youthful among us being very exuberant. All in the cause of expressing our gratitude to the Creator for giving us this precious gift. 

Unfortunately there will not be much - if any - communal singing and dancing this year. At least there shouldn’t be if we want to stay healthy. But that should not lessen our celebration and joy. Which this year will be more internal than external.

On that note, I want to wish everyone a good Yom Tov and going forward an incredible and joyous year.