For our generation and the next, Simchat Torah will be forever intertwined with the trauma and memories of the October 7th attacks, which happened as so many were waiting to show their love for the Torah during the morning services.
There is no need to explain why there will be no joy on Simchat Torah this year in the western Negev. The looming first anniversary of the massacre is causing anger, frustration, and despair to flood back. As long as hostages are still held in Gaza, residents of the region are still stuck on October 7.
Torah Commentary
Can Our Tears Bring The Rain?
From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah
The Story Doesn’t Change, But We Do
The Heart of Torah: How Our Actions Bring it to Life
What makes the Torah different from any other book we read?
I posed this question years ago to a group of second graders as we began a lesson about Simchat Torah.
Sh'mini Atzeret - Simchat Torah for Tweens
Learn more about the book of Deutoronomy with Torah for Tweens!