As we approach this year’s Simchat Torah celebration, it’s impossible to ignore the heaviness of the past year. Just twelve months ago, on October 7th, we witnessed the tragic massacre that shook our world to its core. The loss was immense, the pain overwhelming. The scars from that day are still fresh, and many of us are left asking: How do we find joy amid so much sorrow? How do we celebrate when our hearts are heavy?
Many of us are at a stage where the world should feel full of potential, yet many have been confronted with unimaginable darkness. The world doesn’t feel as carefree as it once did, and holidays like Simchat Torah—traditionally full of celebration, dancing, and unrestrained joy—now seem like they belong to a different time.
But maybe that’s precisely why we need Simchat Torah this year. It reminds us that joy can coexist with pain and that celebration in the face of hardship isn’t a betrayal of those who suffer—it’s an act of resilience.
What is Simchat Torah?
Before diving into the emotional weight of this year’s Simchat Torah, let’s step back and understand the holiday itself. Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday that marks the completion of the yearly Torah-reading cycle and the beginning of a new one. It’s a time for dancing with the Torah, singing, and celebrating the gift of the Torah’s wisdom and guidance.
This celebration of renewal holds deep symbolism. It reminds us that we can start anew no matter how difficult the previous year has been. This year, though, starting fresh feels more challenging than ever, especially with the shadow of last year’s violence still lingering.
Mourning and Joy in Jewish Tradition
Jewish tradition doesn’t shy away from the complexity of holding two seemingly opposite emotions simultaneously. It’s deeply woven into the fabric of our holidays and rituals. Take the breaking of the glass at a wedding—one of the most joyous occasions in Jewish life. It’s a brief but significant reminder of the destruction of the Temple, of loss, and of the brokenness that exists even in the happiest of moments.
This duality is something we can lean on this year. While the pain from the massacre on October 7th may never entirely leave us, it’s possible—and essential—to allow joy back into our lives. Simchat Torah teaches us that joy isn’t the absence of sadness; it’s the ability to embrace both.
How Can We Celebrate?
You might be asking yourself, how can I possibly celebrate this year? And it’s a fair question. In the wake of such tragedy, the continued war in Israel, and the remaining hostages in Gaza, the idea of dancing in the streets or singing with your community might feel tone-deaf or even disrespectful. But celebrating doesn’t mean forgetting. It can be an opportunity to honor those we’ve lost and affirm our commitment to life and hope.
Here are some ways we can find meaning—and joy—during this year’s Simchat Torah:
1. Embrace Community
Simchat Torah is one of the most communal holidays in the Jewish calendar. It’s a time when people come together to dance, sing, and celebrate. This year, the presence of our community can be more critical than ever. Grieving alone can be isolating, but grieving together can be a source of strength. Celebrate this Simchat Torah with friends, family, and your wider community. Let your collective energy lift each other.
2. Dance for Those Who Can’t
There’s a saying in Jewish tradition: “There are times to cry and times to dance.” This Simchat Torah, dancing may feel like a radical act of hope. If you’re able, dance not only for yourself but also for those who can no longer dance. Dance to honor the memories of those who were lost, to show that their lives—and their joy—are not forgotten.
3. Hold Space for Sadness
Simchat Torah is about joy, but that doesn’t mean you must suppress your grief. There’s room for both on this holiday. If you need to, take a moment to sit with your sadness. Honor those feelings, but don’t let them overwhelm your ability to experience joy. Sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations come from acknowledging the full range of our emotions.
4. Find Personal Meaning
Joy can look different to everyone. Maybe this year, joy doesn’t come from dancing or singing but from a quiet moment of reflection. Perhaps it’s found in learning something new about the Torah or helping others in your community. Find an authentic way to connect with Simchat Torah.
5. Focus on Renewal
Simchat Torah is about starting over. This can feel impossible after such a challenging year, but the holiday invites us to find hope in renewal. Just as the Torah cycle begins again, so do we. It’s a reminder that no matter how broken things may feel, there’s always a chance for healing, growth, and new beginnings.
A Future Built on Hope
This year’s Simchat Torah feels different. The joy we typically associate with the holiday might not come as easily. But by choosing to celebrate—by choosing joy—we are making a powerful statement: that even in the face of tragedy, life continues, and there is always room for hope.
Let this year’s Simchat Torah be a reminder that joy can exist alongside sorrow and that by embracing both, we honor the full spectrum of life’s emotions. Even when the world feels broken, we can still dance, sing, and hope.
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