Dancing with His Decrees
One year, I spent Sukkot in Eretz Yisrael. In spite of the delicate security conditions, I must say that these were the most beautiful days of my life. When we visited the City of David, we felt the past in a tangible way. We saw where Avraham had offered his sacrifice, where the Canaanim of old had lived, and we walked the very roads of our holy ancestors.
But, by far the most touching experience in the Holy Land was the celebration of Simchat Torah. Thousands of men danced together outdoors, with Sifrei Torah, enflamed in holiness, and with genuine gratitude to Hashem for His most wonderful gift – the Torah.
Is there any other nation on this planet that dances with its Code of Laws? Each nation certainly respects its rules, but do they cherish them as we do ours? After looking into the matter, I have discovered that no one other than the Jews displays such delight with their Book of Laws.
What is it about the Sefer Torah that draws us into the circle of dancers? The Torah is a compilation of commandments and prohibitions which often conflict with our natural inclination. For example we are forbidden from becoming angry and from smoking on Shabbat. We are commanded to uphold taharat hamishpachah, kashrut, and a host of mitzvot which are often difficult to keep. Nevertheless, we dance with the Torah as if it is our lifeline, which it is.
This is the beauty of our holy nation. Am Yisrael cleaves to the Torah with all of its stringencies and prohibitions. We do not exult in the leniencies and dispensations offered to those who are ill or too weak to obey specific commands. On the contrary, we exert ourselves in Torah study. This exertion is what we celebrate as we dance on Simchat Torah.
