october 4, 2026

23 tishrei, 5787

Simchat Torah 

READINGS:

Torah: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12; Genesis 1:1-2:3; Numbers 29:35-30:1  

Haftarah: Joshua 1:1-18

Brit Chadashah (New Testament): Romans 7:21-25

Happy Torah Day?

            You might wonder, especially if you were not raised in a Jewish environment, why anyone would throw a special party to conclude the reading of a code of Jewish law. That is how many people, especially in the Church, see the Torah -- a rigid set of "Jewish Laws", which regulate every aspect of life for the people of Israel.

    Simchat Torah is not mentioned in Leviticus as one of the required festivals. Even during New Testament times, Simchat Torah did not exist.  Although the Torah was read every Shabbat in the synagogues, there wasn't a regular cycle of Scripture reading.  In the Sixth Century C.E., the rabbis settled on a yearly cycle of readings from the Torah. Over a period of time, it became customary to have a special celebration when the Torah reading was completed.  

            By the 16th Century, Simchat Torah was recognized as a special holiday that followed Sukkot.  In fact, many of the traditions and prayers of Sukkot were adapted for Simchat Torah.  

    You find much rejoicing in the Torah in the Tanach.  King David saw no conflict between a passionate love for G-d and a determined commitment to follow the L-rd's instructions in Torah.  What has happened to make the Church view the Torah as a huge torture machine?