56 - A Song for Simchat Torah

My synagogue’s new Torah scroll will be dedicated on Simchat Torah. A procession will bring it joyfully into the sanctuary and the next day it will be unrolled for everyone to see its beauty. For me, there is a visceral reaction when the Torah is chanted. My Hebrew is rudimentary, so while I can follow along and I can read the trope, I will only be familiar with a word or two. But I hear with my heart as I am connected with all of my people.

Fifty-Six

A Song for Simchat Torah

Held against the heart,
Like a cherished infant,
Close, close, enfolded in arms,
Begin the Torah dance.

Rejoice Israel at this day!

Rejoice with voices singing,
Recalling ancient melodies,
Repeating back the chazan’s chant.

Rejoice with crackling paper flags
And clapping hands and marching feet,
Seven times round, dancing, dancing.

Bow with the scroll,
Bend with reaching fringes,
Lean with outstretched fingers,
Touch this miracle.

Rejoice Israel at this day!

Rejoice with children held high
To watch the passing of the scrolls,
To laugh in wonder at the shining yad.

Rejoice Israel at this day!

Rejoice in the ending that begins,
This eternal Tree of our life:
Rejoice in the heart of Torah!