We wrapped up our celebrations in the Sukkah, enjoying delicious meals and cherished moments together. After Yom Tov and Yizkor, we dove into our Simchat Torah celebration of MEGA proportions!
Rabbi Reaboi dimmed the lights on the bimah, and the iconic theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey (אֵפֶס טִיְּרוּ) by Richard Strauss filled the air. As we opened the Ark (אֲרוֹן), a spectacular light show revealed five beautiful Torah scrolls (תּוֹרָה) gleaming in the glow. WHAT A SIGHT!
We took out the Torah scrolls, Keterot (כֶּתֶר) or crowns, mini-Torahs (תּוֹרָה קְטַנָּה), and flags as we sang the blessings. With joy, we made our Hakafot (הַקָּפוֹת), circling the room in celebration. Seven times around? More like 20, as our singing filled the space! We danced, passed the Torah and Keterot around, giving everyone a chance to receive an honor (כָּבוֹד).
During one of the final Hakafot, Rabbi shared a moving Holocaust story. When a community lamented their lack of a Torah, the Rabbi asked a young child if they knew the Shema (שְׁמַע). The child recited it beautifully. “This is our Torah this year,” he proclaimed. The people lifted the child high in the air, creating their own Hakafot in a profound moment of unity. In honor of this, we lifted our children and made a silent procession around the room. It was a humbling experience.
Afterward, we unraveled the Torah and marveled at different sections: we explored Shirat HaYam (שִׁירַת הַיָּם), the Song of the Sea, where the words and columns flow like the waves, and the Ten Commandments (עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדִּבְרוֹת), shaped like the tablets. We also observed the sign of the Cohanim for the Priestly Blessing (בִּרְכַּת הַכֹּהֲנִים). This particular Torah scroll traveled from Poland to us via Coney Island. The rich history, the joy it brings, and the deep traditions it embodies are truly amazing!
On Sunday, our Hebrew school students held a mini-Simchat Torah service, joyfully celebrating our culture, traditions, and history—dancing with the Torah. EPIC!
We concluded Simchat Torah by reading the last word, Yisrael (יִשְׂרָאֵל), and the first word, Bereishit (בְּרֵאשִׁית). When you combine the last letter “Lamed” (ל) with the first letter of the Torah, “Bet” (ב), you get “Lev” (לֵב)—HEART. This beautifully symbolizes what the Torah represents for the Jewish people. Our hearts should be full of pride, joy, and optimism as we step into our new year.
שָׁנָה טוֹבָה וּמְתוּקָה! (Shanah Tovah Umitukah!
– From The Temple Sinai Ritual Committee