November 4, 2016

A favorite service to attend at Temple Emanuel is Simchat Torah – the time we finish reading the last story in Deuteronomy and commence the first story in Genesis. Whether one believes in G-d or not, the celebration is joyous. We document it by rolling out the Torah from end to end in the sanctuary. The congregation gets up out of their seats and onto their feet. Each year, those congregants who wish take part in supporting the parchment. The males say a blessing for the ending and the women repeat the blessing for the beginning. The moment becomes inclusive and sweet. Songs like B’Shana Haba’ah (Next Year), Torah Torah Torah, David Melach Israel, Am Israel Chai (The People of Israel Live), and Etz Chaim He (The Tree of Life) are sung and spirits are lifted. Children bear witness to a moment of transition and stand in awe of the Torah unfurled. Each year Rabbi Glickman holds his breath as he must hope that the Torah endures no rips, tears, or drops. Once the Torah is redressed, he takes an enormous sigh of relief as he is the protector of the Torah.

After each Shabbat service, there is an Oneg Shabbat – yummy foods. Once upon a time, the food was always just sweets, but as this is the 5777 year of Health in our congregation, the tables are now filled with fresh veggies, fruits and other healthful choices. I loaded up as this would be our Shabbat dinner! We mixed and mingled with our friends and met some new visitors and congregants. It was just delightful and momentous. Shabbat Shalom!

simchattorah (Sorry for the vertical to horizontal videoing – just cock your head sideways.)