LETTERS OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE
Is Simchas Torah going to be the same?
by Aron Moss
Question: There's a big question hovering over our upcoming Simchas Torah observances and celebrations. Is it going to be the same as other years, or is it going to be different in the wake of all the terrible tragedies that the Jewish people have faced in the past year, the losses that we've seen and the ongoing war that Israel is facing, the anti semitism that Jewish communities all around the world are battling. Is Simchas Torah really going to be able to be the same? Are we going to be joyous and happy? Or is it going to be a bit more sombre and serious?
Response: The answer to that, I believe, comes from the mouth of a soldier who had been months and months fighting in Gaza and had a weekend off. When he finally came home, somebody asked him, how do you feel coming out of the war zone after weeks and weeks of fighting and seeing people going about their business, people sitting in cafes and restaurants, going to the beach, partying, living life as normal?
How does it feel to you, a soldier going from one world to the other? So the soldier said: “I'm actually thrilled to see that. If I see that you are living life as normal out here, I know that down there I'm doing my job. If I came out and saw people were not living life as normal, but they're moping around, I'd feel that I'm not doing my job properly.
So for me it's actually heartwarming, uplifting and encouraging to see you all celebrating life, because that's the reason why I am fighting.”
My dear friends. This is exactly what's most needed this Yomtov. Greater joy in celebrating life. We need to celebrate our Judaism bigger, better and happier than ever. That's the only way we can truly honour the souls that we've lost, to honour the families that are grieving, to honour our soldiers who are fighting, and to honour our entire nation, the Jewish people. We honor them by being proudly, unapologetically and positively Jewish. So, yes, this YomTov is going to be different to all the others. It's going to be prouder, more positive, stronger than ever.
Wishing Jews everwhere the most joyous Simchas Torah ever!
