life, then and now.
It is good that the Torah is already published. It would have a hard time in today’s literary market.
“Good stories and strong characters,” the rejection letter might say, “but too hard to read.” Fortunately, Moses had good connections.
Tonight Jews around the world with gather for Simchas Torah, a joyous celebration to honor these first five books of the Bible. After all, it has been quite a journey. Painstakingly copied one letter at a time on the scroll parchment, the Jews have guarded Torah throughout the generations and the persecutions. Jews and non-Jews, rabbis and clergy, martyrs, farmers and city-dwellers, learned and unlearned, men and women have
risked their lives and died in order for the Torah to survive and prosper.
Miraculously, nowadays, the original Torah text can be found on scrolls, books, websites, via audio, and available for immediate download to any mobile device. It gives new meaning to keeping Torah close to
our hearts.
On Simchas Torah two very important passages will be read out loud to those gathered:
The Beginning and The End. This is because the holiday itself is a finishing of the annual cycle of reading the Torah portions and the beginning of another round. It is the annual encore chorus of “One More Time!”
It is comforting to acknowledge each year at this time that the Torah is still the very root of our understanding of Judaism. It is inspiring to know that these Teachings are being passed once again to the next generation.
It is an encouraging kick-start to another year of learning and practicing what we’ve learned.
Whether you engage in Torah with tiny little tiptoe steps or go for the original text, whether you do it on the annual cycle or just whenever you are in the mood, it is never too late or too early or the
wrong time. Ultimately, it's simply when when you take the time!
May Torah be a source of blessing and peace for you!