Dear Friend,
We all know the proverbial “once-a-year-Jews” who sit through several hours of prayers and a sermon or two every year during the High Holidays simply because “that’s what Jews do.”
Now, I’m not suggesting that they stop coming. Heaven forbid. Hearing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah and observing Yom Kippur are certainly biggies. I just wish I could invite them to come back to shul one more time for Simchat Torah, when the synagogue is alive with singing, dancing and joyous celebration of our precious heritage.
The Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—would often emphasize that the joy of Simchat Torah is the top rung of the ladder of the month of Tishrei. Each holiday brings us one step closer, and they culminate with Simchat Torah, when we reach the greatest point of spirituality. So if you attended Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services—and even if you didn’t—you owe it to yourself to find a Simchat Torah celebration and tie it all up on a high note.
Eliezer Zalmanov,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
Joy of Being Jewish Dear Beth Gopman,
When I read your beautiful commentary, I thought that you were a member of my congregation in Monroe Township , NJ. Twelve years ago, along with our incredible Rabbi, we started a Chabad center. With funds donated by a handful of dedicated, visionary people, a temple was built and furnished by our learned, articulate Rabbi. With continued funding and hard work, and putting the message out, we now have about 500 attendees. Our Kiddish, prepared by our knowledgeable, personable mother of seven, can not be beaten.
Perhaps we could be like exchange students, where you stay at our Rabbis home for a week or two, and our representative will stay with your Rabbi for a similar time frame. Then we can compare notes on our wonderful accomplishments!!!