Dear Friends,
Turn it and turn it again, as everything is in it. Reflect on it and grow old and gray with it. Don’t turn from it, for nothing is better than it. (Pirkei Avot 5:22)
Simchat Torah was observed on Monday in most Jewish communities around the world. At HCRJ, however, we will be observing this special day honoring Torah in our lives this Friday night. Central to our worship experience, we will finish reading the last sentences in the Book of Deuteronomy and immediately begin a new scroll with the reading of the story of creation in the Book of Genesis. This practice represents the cyclical nature of the relationship between the Jewish people and the reading of the Torah.
In addition to reading from the sacred scrolls, we will celebrate their value and importance in our lives with joyful parades and a Klezmer band. This custom serves to remind us that the teachings, values and commandments of our faith are to be embraced with joy and gratitude.
L’Shalom-Steve