ב"ה
Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah
By the Numbers
Your Questions
Why Circle 7 (or 3) Times on Simchat Torah?
The earliest known source for specifically going around seven times is Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, the Arizal (1534-1572). But he provides no source.
The earliest known source for specifically going around seven times is Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, the Arizal (1534-1572). But he provides no source.
A New Beginning
All my life, I was made to feel different, and if I didn’t play by the rules then I wasn’t a “good,” serious Jew. Is that how I want my son and daughter to feel? Do I have what it takes to connect?
All my life, I was made to feel different, and if I didn’t play by the rules then I wasn’t a “good,” serious Jew. Is that how I want my son and daughter to feel? Do I have what it takes to connect?
How Simchat Torah in Tokyo Touched My Faith
The table was crowded with people I wouldn’t expect to see at a Chassidic gathering.
The table was crowded with people I wouldn’t expect to see at a Chassidic gathering.
Parshah
Moses’ Blessing and Jacob’s Blessing
Parshat V’zot HaBerachah has two focuses: the blessing that Moses bestows on Israel before his death and the account of his death.
Parshat V’zot HaBerachah has two focuses: the blessing that Moses bestows on Israel before his death and the account of his death.
Lifestyle
Stuffed Cabbage
Meat and rice, rolled up in cabbage and cooked in a decadent sauce - a Simchat Torah classic. With step-by-step photo instructions.
Meat and rice, rolled up in cabbage and cooked in a decadent sauce - a Simchat Torah classic. With step-by-step photo instructions.
Among the religions of the world there are various customs, and they do not all gather in the same house [of worship]. We, however, have but one G-d, one Torah, one law, one Kohen Gadol and one Sanctuary; yet you, two hundred and fifty men, all desire the High Priesthood! I, too, desire it!
— Moses to Korach and his followers (Midrash Tanchuma on Numbers 16:10)
Print Magazine
How to unmask a blessing in disguise:
Stare it in the face and say, “I know you are not just a lousy day or bad luck. I know you are a good friend—even if for the life of me I cannot determine how. I know there is only one Source of All Things, and nothing can convince me that evil descends from Above. Evil descends fr...
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