I have much to say about the miracles of Flydubai’s Flight 1073, but that will hold until next week.

 

This week I remind everyone, as I do every year, about Simchat Torah coming up this weekend. We wrap up our annual reading of the Torah with the death of Moses and immediately begin again with the story of Creation. And we celebrate.

 

It is arguably the most fun synagogue holiday of the year (though Purim might have something to say about that), and I encourage everyone to go.

 

Israelis and Reform Jews around the world celebrate tonight and tomorrow, while Conservative and Orthodox Jews in the diaspora celebrate tomorrow night and Sunday. Find a synagogue or Chabad house, check its schedule of services and activities, register if required, and remember to wear your dancing shoes.

 

I would be remiss if I did not point out that the horrors of October 7, 2023 occurred in Israel on Simchat Torah. Many have asked whether we should dance on the holiday while mourning our dead. I really like the response provided by spiritual leader and scholar Dr. Mijal Bitton, based on the teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l:

 

"This is the spirit of Simchat Torah to me: Jews holding on to the Torah, to each other, and to our people, and dancing with abandon and joy. We are not defined by those who hate us. We are defined by the One who loves us."

 

And so, we will dance on Simchat Torah.

 

And we will remember.

 

Our community's October 7 memorial observances will take place on October 7 at 5:45 p.m. at the Schenectady JCC and at 7:00 p.m. at the Albany JCC. Please click here for more information.