Hakafot

A step-by-step guide to the Hakafot.

"I love my wife," said Berl. "That's why I do everything she asks me to do. She says, 'Berl, please take out the garbage,' and right away, I take out the garbage." We all agreed that Berl loves his wife.

The earliest known source for specifically going around seven times is Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, the Arizal (1534-1572). But he provides no source.

And now we arrive at the point where Jewish practice attains the apex of a rich and beautiful theater of the absurd. This Simchat Torah, a Jew will take a book off the shelf, kiss it, dance with it, jump, twirl and holler with it. Alone. Rabbi Adin Even-I...

Sure there are the Torahs and prayers, but there is also dancing, singing, capering, and snacking in the synagogue.

Seven thought-provoking questions that lead us to uncover deep truths and empowering messages embedded within this holiday.

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."

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

The breaking of the Tablets? I thought we were past that? That was the beginning of the journey, 94 days ago. This was supposed to be its culmination! Are we turning the clock back?

“Fire consumes fire,” said the Rebbe. “The ‘fiery law’ of Torah will consume the fever induced by the frost . . .”