Simchat Torah: Spelling Out the Heart

Dear Friends,

From the vast expanse of Yom Kippur we land in the bounty of Sukkot and travel toward Shemini Azeret and Simchat Torah. On Simchat Torah we open the Sefer Torah and read the last few verses in Deuteronomy and the opening lines in Genesis. The very last letter of the Torah is a lamed. The first letter is a beit. Put together these letters spells lev—heart.

Simchat Torah reminds us to keep returning to our hearts as we meet whatever life brings. To practice discernment and compassion as we walk on our way.

Shemini Atzeret, the 8th day of gathering, is the final day of the holiday season. On this day the Holy One says to us, we have been through so much together. Stay with me one more day. All you need to do is pray for rain to fall in its time, other than that we can just hang out and relax. No need to rush back into the busyness. Stay with me one more day.

May the holy days continue to hold and guide us.

May we remember to pause often, to move slowly and give thanks for the gifts of life.

And as 5780 continues to unfold, may love and truth, justice and peace rise and prevail.

Blessings to all.

Shalom.

— Rabbi Yael Levy

18 Tishrei 5780