D'var Torah

On Simchat Torah (Monday night Sep 27 and Tue, Sep 28), we read from the very last verses of the Torah (about Moses’ death) and the very first verses of the Torah (the Creation story.)  The symbolism of starting over immediately after concluding the Torah is clear:  The study of Torah is never ending.  But did you know that there is another reading on Simchat Torah that sends the same message of continuity?  On Simchat Torah morning, the Haftarah reading is from the very first verses of the Book of Joshua.  Joshua is Moses’ successor, and the Book of Joshua picks up the narrative of the Israelites’ entry into the Land of Israel where the Torah leaves off. Once again, our tradition reminds us that the story of the Jewish people never ends; the journey continues.  Join us Monday evening or Tuesday morning for a festive celebration of Torah and the continuity of our people’s narrative.