Keeping In Touch: Simchas Torah

All Jews, learned and unsophisticated alike, share equally in the Simchas Torah celebrations. For these celebrations tap a point in the soul which defies the entire concept of rank and gradation.

Every Jew has a soul which is an essential G-dly spark. By virtue of that spark, we share a connection to the essence of the Torah. On Simchas Torah, this level within our souls finds expression naturally.

As the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, used to say: “On Simchas Torah, the Torah itself wants to dance; however, since a Torah scroll has no feet, we Jews function as its feet and help it dance.”

A foot has no independent will; it is totally subservient to the head that controls it, obeying its wishes without question. So deep and complete is our surrender to the Torah on Simchas Torah, that we are lifted beyond the realm of our individual identities and become the "feet of the Torah."

Therefore, the scholar and the simple man celebrate equally, for one is no more Jewish than the other. If anything, the simple man's celebration is greater, for his intellect does not get in the way of his connection to his Jewish essence.

When this level of soul becomes manifest on Simchas Torah, no difference exists between one Jew and another. The basic commonality that links us all makes us join hands and dance together, oblivious to the personal differences that might otherwise create barriers between individuals.

These concepts enable us to appreciate the place of Simchas Torah in the sequence of holidays beginning with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. All of these holidays focus our attention on the inner core of our relationship with G-d. Simchas Torah, as their climax, is the point of transition between the intense spiritual experience of the month of Tishrei and our daily, down-to-earth circumstances.

This safe landing is navigated by means of the rejoicing of Simchas Torah. At that time, our joyous awareness of how "Israel, the Torah, and the Holy One, blessed be He, are one," lays the groundwork for our Divine service throughout the entire year. These celebrations facilitate the expression of our bond with G-d and the Torah in every aspect of our conduct throughout the year.

Having touched the core of our beings on the High Holidays and celebrated this connection to G-d on Sukkos and Simchas Torah, we prepare to elevate the realm of our ordinary day-to-day functioning in the year to come.