Party for Two
Just as the Torah contributes to our knowledge, observance and holiness, we also contribute to the Torah. When a Jew studies Torah and puts his heart and soul in that study, the Jew instills a dimension of G-dly energy that we possess, exclusively, that enhances the power and holiness of Torah.
The Siyum
Simchas Torah, the day in which we rejoice with the Torah; when we conclude the annual cycle of reading the Five Books of Moses. Whenever we conclude a significant program of study — called a Siyum in Hebrew — it is cause for celebration. This is true with any Siyum, it is that much more so with regard to the completion of the cycle of the Five Books of Moses.
It is self-evident that the joy associated with a Siyum is connected to and encapsulated in the concluding word(s) of the text. Since the very last word of the Torah is Yisrael, Israel, it would follow, ironically, that the highlight of Simchas Torah is not Torah but Israel!
This, obviously, begs the question, would it not have been more appropriate for the Torah to have concluded with the word Torah? Furthermore, if the emphasis is on the people of Israel, why do we call the Holiday Simchas Torah, the Rejoicing with the Torah? It should have been called Simchas Yisrael, Rejoicing with Israel?
Relationship between Torah and Israel
The answer to these questions lies in a more profound understanding of the relationship that exists between Torah and the People of Israel.
Conventional wisdom dictates that since Torah was given to the Jewish people; Torah is the teacher and guide and we the Jewish people are the recipients and beneficiaries. Accordingly, from this perspective, Torah enjoys a state of preeminence over the Jewish people. Much like the advantage the teacher has over the student.
The teachings of Kabbalah and Chassidus — based on Talmudic and Midrashic sources — however, teach us otherwise. True, the Jewish people did receive the Torah and the Torah must serve as guide that informs us as to the way we ought to live each minute of our lives. But, in addition to that relationship, there is also another dimension that links Torah to Israel in a completely different, if not opposite, direction.
We Contribute to the Torah
Just as the Torah contributes to our knowledge, observance and holiness, we also contribute to the Torah. When a Jew studies Torah and puts his heart and soul in that study, the Jew instills a dimension of G-dly energy that we possess, exclusively, that enhances the power and holiness of Torah.
There is something about the Jewish soul that is so holy and so connected to the very essence of G-d, that even the Torah can be considered a recipient from us. We can connect the Torah to G-d’s essence and thereby endow it with even greater beauty, depth and holiness.
To be sure, this does not suggest that we can “tell” the Torah what is right and what is wrong. It also does not suggest that, considering the superior nature of our soul, we may ever overlook the teachings of the Torah. What it does mean is that when we, through the study of Torah and the observance of the commandments, so refines ourselves, that our soul begins to shine, it enhances the Torah that we have learned and connects it closer to its Divine source.
Simchas Torah is thus really about two things. Firstly, it is about concluding the study of and appreciation for Torah in its own right. Once we master the Torah, or more accurately, once the Torah masters us and reveals our inner spiritual potential, we then instill even greater meaning and holiness in the Torah itself. We then begin the cycle of Torah anew with renewed vigor, enthusiasm and holiness.
In effect there is a dual celebration on Simchas Torah. The Jewish people first rejoice with the Torah, but then the Torah upon receiving the renewed holiness from Israel, begins to rejoice with Israel. Thus the term Simchas Torah, means two things: [Israel] Rejoices with the Torah and The Torah Rejoices [with Israel].
After Yom Kippur
This explains why Simchas Torah is not observed on the anniversary of the giving of the Torah, Shavuos, but after Yom Kippur. When can the Torah rejoice with the Jewish people? Only when their souls shine brightly, which is what happens on Yom Kippur.
Simchas Torah of the Future
We can now also appreciate what our sages mean when they said that in the Messianic Age, Moshiach will reveal new dimensions of Torah.
In the Messianic Age, evil will cease to exist. At first, evil will separate itself from its admixture with good, so that the good becomes more pristine. Without its ability to siphon off vitality from the forces of holiness, the forces of evil will gradually dissipate.
At that time our souls will no longer be encumbered with the obstructing nature of evil that our bodies and Animal souls possess. As a result, our souls will shine so brightly that when we will study Torah, we will actually be able to uncover new vistas of Torah knowledge that could never have been revealed heretofore.
Simchas Torah then will truly be celebrated in an unprecedented fashion, since we will rejoice with the Torah and the Torah will surely rejoice with us in ways that we cannot even imagine.
From the book Light from the Future: Simchas Torah by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
