Letters from Alyssa: On Simchat Torah, Dancing Harder and Remembering Forever
Hi Friend,
As Simchat Torah approaches, I find myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. It’s been a year since that terrible day when joy turned to tragedy, and the festival that celebrates our love for Torah became forever linked with a massacre in Israel that killed over 1,200 people. But as I reflect on what Simchat Torah means this year, I’m struck by how its very essence speaks to resilience and hope.
Simchat Torah, at its core, is about endings and beginnings. Jewish people around the world finish reading the Torah, and in the same breath, we start again. It’s a beautiful reminder that, in Jewish tradition, endings aren’t really endings at all – they’re opportunities for renewal, for carrying forward what we’ve learned into a new phase of our lives.
This year, that symbolism feels more poignant than ever. As we remember the October 7, 2023 attacks that occurred on Simchat Torah, we’re renewing our commitment to life, to joy, and to the values that define us, even amid our continued grief. We’re carrying the memories of those we lost with us as we step into a new year, a new cycle of Torah, and a new chapter in our collective story.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the Nova Music Festival, where more than 360 people were murdered last October, and how the event was meant to embody the spirit of celebration that Simchat Torah is all about. Those young people were dancing, full of life and joy. This year, we have a chance – no, a responsibility – to dance in their honor, with more passion and purpose than ever before.
So this Simchat Torah, here’s what I’m planning to do:
Dance with intention: When I join the hakafot, the celebratory practice of dancing with the Torah, I’ll be thinking of those who can’t dance with us this year. Each step will be a tribute, each twirl an act of defiance against those who sought to extinguish our joy.
Learn something new: I’m committing to studying a new piece of Torah in honor of those we lost. Though their lives were cut short, their legacy can continue through our learning and growth.
Reach out and connect: I’m going to invite friends – Jewish and non-Jewish alike – to join in our celebration. By sharing our traditions and our resilience, we build bridges and strengthen our community.
Create a moment of remembrance: Before the festivities begin, I’m going to suggest a moment of silence among my Hillel community, to acknowledge that our celebration is made more meaningful by remembering.
Look to the future: As we start reading the Torah again, I’m going to reflect on new beginnings I want to create in my own life, inspired by the strength of the Jewish community.
Simchat Torah teaches us that endings and beginnings are intertwined. We don’t forget what’s behind us as we move forward – we carry it with us, letting it inform our steps and strengthen our resolve. This year, our dancing will be a powerful statement: that joy persists, that life moves forward, and that the legacy of those we’ve lost continues within us.
As we celebrate this Simchat Torah, let’s dance harder, sing louder, and love deeper. Let’s show the world the unbreakable spirit of our people. In doing so, we honor not just our Torah, but also those whose memories are inextricably linked with this holiday.
Wishing you a Simchat Torah filled with meaning, joy, deep connection, and the strength that comes from a community united in celebration and remembrance.
Chag Sameach,
Alyssa
Originally from Los Angeles, Alyssa Wallack is a senior at the University of Southern California. A passionate advocate for Jewish and Israel-related causes, she’s now interning with Hillel International. When not immersed in her studies or various fellowships, Alyssa loves exploring LA’s food scene and connecting with fellow students about all things Jewish.
Letters from Alyssa is a series of reflections and advice from Alyssa Wallack, a Hillel International Intern.