A DIFFERENT KIND OF SIMCHAT TORAH
The energy in the room was intense as the dancing continued from song to song, and the circles ebbed and grew in intensity with the different melodies that were being sung.
The sounds of Am Yisrael Chai surged through the room, as the dancing, stomping feet, and happy laughter filled the air. Teens, little kids, big kids, older adults, young adults and everyone in the room, spun around and around and lifted their feet and themselves off the ground and the pain of this past year.
This year more than ever, the need to dance for all those who can't anymore, or who couldn't do it this year, became the clarion call of Simchat Torah. Strengthening the inner resolve of Am Yisrael Chai, was the direction and sentiment of the evening.
Watching the man in his 70's who just completed his seventh surgery in his fight against Cancer, dance around with tremendous spirit as he clutched the Torah and had a huge beaming smile, was seeing Am Yisrael Chai in action.
Having a woman in the crowd request us to sing Utzu Eitza Vetufar, that her grandmother taught her as a child in the Soviet Union, and became the Jewish song that she knew, and then joyously singing it together, with the understanding that the timeless message of this song, "they contrive of plans to harm us, but their plans come to naught, for G-d is with us" is just as relevant today, was something that energized the whole room.
Watching the teens and the kids dance and stomp around the room as the singing progressed, was seeing the unbreakable spirit in action.
Having another gentleman in his late 70's come over to me at the end of the evening and tell me that this evening's dancing, was the most enjoyable and inspiring Jewish event ever in his life, reminded us of the power of joy and dancing, and what that can do for our people.
Indeed as the Torah Scroll cover that was donated for Simchat Torah, stated, there is a time for mourning and a time to dance!
Every step, every circle, every song, and every piece of joy in that room, was creating a different kind of energy and blessing that the world needs so much.
Thank you to everyone who joined us over Simchat Torah this year to dance and rejoice in the joy of this holiday!
May we always have what to dance, sing and celebrate for and may our collective joy help trigger new blessings and miracles of peace, security, unity and of the return of the hostages and so much more.
Am Yisrael Chai!