Prior to Simchat Torah there was some discussion about how our shul would acknowledge October 7, 2023, which had fallen on Simchat Torah.
We concocted an elaborate plan. We would commemorate the loss on Shemini Atzeret during Yizkor. We would then dance our first hakafah on Simchat Torah that evening in silence, while going on to sing the rest.
Yizkor went off without a hitch. However, our silent hakafah failed. Why? It turns out Jewish children don’t like being all that quiet on Simchat Torah.
As I looked helplessly from the bimah trying to silence dozens of gregarious, joyous children, our kids were busy trying on crazy hats (our synagogue tradition) and getting ready to celebrate our Torah.
I thought of the young men and women at the Nova Festival. They had come for joyous dancing and celebration. What goal was I trying to achieve?
Our adult hearts were heavy. But the ruach of our children wouldn’t let us forget the purpose of Simchat Torah: an outward, joyful expression of our pride in being Jewish.
I had made a well-intentioned mistake. Our silent hakafah lasted approximately four seconds. We then sang Hatikvah.
I am reminded of the words of the Talmud (BT Shabbat 119b): “The world only exists due to the breath of school children.”
May Jewish children never again be made to “shush” again on Simchat Torah. Never again. Not on our watch.
This article was previously published in The Times of Israel.
