Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

In the gas chambers, one boy shouted: "Brothers! Today is the holiday of Simchat Torah. We do not have clothes to cover us, nor a Torah scroll with which to dance. So let us dance with G‑d Himself—who is surely here among us."

Angels don’t say l’chaim on Simchat Torah, so they arose to sing G-d’s praises in the heavens at the usual time. They found heaven littered with strange objects: torn slippers, broken heels. "Yes," admitted the angel Michoel, "this is my merchandise"

The hakafot were in full swing. Round and round went the circle of dancing worshippers in the little shul, chanting a snappy Simchat Torah melody and dancing rhythmically to its tune. Circles formed and reformed as some dancers dropped out exhausted and ...

The soldier stared at the boy, fighting back tears. "Over these four terrible years, this is the first live Jewish child I have seen..."

"Fire consumes fire,." said the Rebbe. "The 'fiery law' of Torah will consume the fever induced by the frost..."

The Rebbe heard his words, sighed, and remained silent. A reaction that certainly did not bode well...