Chol Hamoed - Simchat Torah
A New Option for Starting the Torah Anew
Following the joyous holiday of Simchat Torah, Jews all over begin learning the Torah anew as part of the daily study cycle. Beginning with the portion of Bereishit, which tells of the creation of the world, we will learn more each day and each week until we’ll complete the entire Torah in a year’s time.
This year, in addition to the classic classes by Rabbi Yehoshua B. Gordon, we’ve got an option for those who want a quick treatment of the portion with Rashi’s commentary: Rabbi Levi Avtzon from Johannesburg provides a concise and accessible podcast, ideal for those who are not yet fluent in Hebrew or do not have time to study the entire portion in depth.
So as the Jewish world begins to study again from the beginning (quite literally), be sure to check out Rabbi Avtzon’s classes.
Explore Sukkot's climax by learning about Hoshanah Rabbah, its rituals, and its significance.
We depend on our touchstones: psychological security, a stable income, protection from crime. Clothing, food, warm shelter
How well-versed are you in the traditions of Chol Hamoed? Challenge yourself with our quiz.
Max Lewis increased his Jewish involvement after being "randomly" invited to Simchat Torah at Chabad. Shot in a Chicago train station, his memory is kept alive by his community.
The short answer is that you may both build and take down a sukkah on the intermediate days of Sukkot. But it’s not so simple.
Meat and rice, rolled up in cabbage and cooked in a decadent sauce - a Simchat Torah classic. With step-by-step photo instructions.
Afterlife is a very rational, natural consequence of the order of things.
After all, nothing is ever lost—even the body only transforms into earth. But nothing is lost.
So too, the person you are is never lost. That person—that soul—only returns to its origin.
If your soul became acutely attached to the material worl...
