How will the Jewish people celebrate Simchat Torah this year?

David M. Weinberg: This year, merriment will surely take a step back, with the traditional hakafot – circles of dancing – modulated by the addition of poems and prayers that focus on repair, redemption, resilience, and heroism.

That said, the elevation of Torah learning on Simchat Torah, along with the traditional prayers for prosperity on the simultaneous holiday of Shmini Atzeret, are serious religious milestones that cannot be eviscerated by Hamas. The Hamas invasion and massacre should be formally commemorated with all appropriate solemnity and solidarity on other days.

Published in The Jerusalem Post, October 20, 2024.