Simhat Torah

In unity, we find strength. In resilience, we discover hope.

God expects us to respond to a crisis by improving our behavior.

The festivities all abruptly ended at 8:30 a.m., when it was announced that there was a “security event.” From then on, the day was unlike any other Simchat Torah.

Was I doing the right thing by suspending Shabbat – which I have observed my entire life – to keep the world informed?

The parsha opens with: “This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelites farewell before he died” (Deut. 33:1).

When we delve into it, study its teachings, and live according to its guidance, we lead meaningful and elevated lives.

It is a fitting benediction to end the festival of Simchat Torah and Sukkot, in which three times we are commanded to rejoice.

There is a common misconception that menstruating women are not allowed to touch the Torah. However, halachic sources dating back to the Talmud do not support such an assertion.

Many women from all over the world have described watching from the sidelines as feeling like spectators on what is supposed to be a day of celebrations.

Hashem begins by asking Cain why he is angry and sad and continues with the following verse: (Genesis 4:7) הֲל֤וֹא אִם־תֵּיטִיב֙ שְׂאֵ֔ת וְאִם֙ לֹ֣א תֵיטִ֔יב לַפֶּ֖תַח חַטָּ֣את רֹבֵ֑ץ וְאֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ תּ