My First Simchat Torah

As some of my readers know, I moved to Bayt Tovei Ha-Ir, a, senior assisted living residence, a few months ago. So, every holiday is a new experience for me, and so far, I have never been disappointed. However, I had planned to spend most of Sukkos at my son Dovid’s home, and in the end, I was unable to make the trip. As Simchat Torah was approaching, I was feeling a little sorry that for the first time I would be without family. I was in for a big surprise.

We were all still in euphoria from Hoshana Rabbah, and the return of the hostages, so we went into the holiday in a very happy frame of mind. When the evening hakafot began the women went into another room and I couldn’t imagine what would take place. In walked a woman followed by about 25 young ladies, and they immediately burst into song. The singing was choreographed, with dancing. One song (and dance) was followed by another for one hour. These girls were attending KEE TOV Seminary, in Jerusalem, led by Mrs. Channa Kee Tov.

At one point the girls danced with some of us and for those unable to dance, they held our hands and swayed to their singing. Most of us knew all the songs and we sang along. When Mrs. Kee Tov got onto a chair and sang one of the well-known Simchat Torah songs, I sang along. A few of the girls had solo parts and their voices were beautiful.

When an hour had passed and the singing was over, I asked a few girls where they were from, Lakewood, Toronto, Ohio, etc. Mrs. Kee Tov was full of energy and she was willing to keep going, but it was time for us to return to shul. That night I kept hearing the wonderful singing in my head and I felt so happy. I also felt very thankful to the organizers of such a special program.

The next day dawned bright and beautiful. Shul started early because in Israel we consolidate both days of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, into one. When the time came for hakafot, once again a program was organized for women but on a smaller scale than the night before. I chose to watch the hakafot. As I mentioned earlier, this is a senior residence, but I was unprepared for the scene that unfolded. Men in their eighties and nineties (including upper nineties) were beaming with joy as they got called up to hold the Torah. As I watched them clutching the Torah to their hearts, tears filled my eyes. Three of the rabbis who organize davening and shiurim full-time here, were the ones who were jumping and dancing as the men walked around the bimah with the Torah. One elderly man put the Torah in a baby stroller (minus the baby) and walked around pushing the stroller. Suddenly, I saw a man who so thoroughly resembled my Zaidy Moshe that it took my breath away. I could just imagine how he would have danced if he were here.

In every shul that I have ever attended for Simchat Torah, there were always a few old timers who joined with the younger men in holding the Torah. The difference here was, even though the men were all senior citizens, the love and joy that I saw on every face was indescribable.

When I got back to my seat in shul, I was so thankful to Hashem for allowing me to witness something so awe-inspiring. As the davening finally came to a close, I realized that even though I was missing family, I was so fortunate to be here in Bayt Tovei Ha- Ir for Simchat Torah.