Simchat Torah, Sundown October 24 this year (October 23 in Israel), celebrates the renewal of the weekly reading cycle immediately after Sukkot. On Simchat Torah, we read the conclusion of Deuteronomy, the story of the death of Moses, and then immediately continue on with the account of creation in Genesis 1. Every ending brings a new beginning, and this is especially true of our study of Scripture.
Simchat Torah is the festival of rejoicing in Torah. Study carries its own reward, of course, but the great reward comes when we joyfully apply and obey what we’ve learned. In contrast with Shavuot, which celebrates the original giving of Torah on Mount Sinai in a miraculous revelation of God’s presence, Simchat Torah celebrates the study and application of Torah, which can become hard and toilsome. On this day, therefore, joy is essential.
How happy are those whose way of life is blameless,who live by the Torah of Adonai!
How happy are those who observe his instruction,
who seek him wholeheartedly! (Ps. 119:1-2)
How happy are those who observe his instruction,
who seek him wholeheartedly! (Ps. 119:1-2)
Simchat Torah is just one day, but it marks the beginning of a whole new year of reading and discussing the weekly Torah portion. Subscribe to weekly Torah study at www.umjc.org/subscribe-to-weekly-torah-study/.
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