Simchat Torah
The eighth day of the Feast of
Tabernacles is to be a Sabbath and holy assembly
(Lev. 23:36). The Jewish community has added a
ninth day called Simchat Torah or “rejoicing
in the law.” Kasdan in his book, God’s
Appointed Times says “this day celebrates
the revelation of God as symbolized in the Torah
scroll. It is a time of tremendous joy, with dancing
and lively music... How much more so (to joyously
celebrate) for believers of Yeshua Ha Mashiach,
the Word who became flesh at this time of year!”
Simchat Torah means, "Rejoicing
in the Torah." In this festival Jews express
their love and gratitude for the Torah. The Torah
is at the heart of this festival. Torah is a blessing
as it is a sign that God wants his people to know
him. The festival honors the Torah but it also
honors people in the congregation.
Celebrations
Invite other families to join
you. As everyone gathers, the reason for the party
is explained. Fathers and Mothers can carry Bibles
and handmade “scrolls.” The children
get to carry banners and flags. Dowels supporting
flags can be topped with apples with or without
a small candle. Parents decide how far to carry
this.
One Dad can read Revelation 22,
another can read Genesis 1. Children may gather
under a white “prayer shawl” (sheet
or tablecloth) as parents surround them reading
verses from Psalm 119 and praying blessings. This
is a last opportunity for a “sukkah open
house.” Serve fruit This is a last opportunity
for a “sukkah open house.” Serve fruit
wedges, nuts, and/or small squares of honey cake
(see Trumpets activities section).
Banners
The flags and banners suggested
may be the ones you have made for your centerpieces.
Placemat-size flags can use a dowel on each end
to create a banner for two children to carry.
See flag instructions in “crafts” section.
Enlarge to 12x18" cloth and
find a copy machine that enlarges or enlarge designs
by hand to make banners if you wish. You may want
to use designs that differ from your flag to add
interest.
Suggestions include:
- Grapes (fruit of the vine is
harvested in the fall), etc.
- An oil lamp symbolic of the
Word of God.
- A sun symbolic of the Glory
of God the Father
(Rev. 1:16, Matt. 13:43, Ps. 84:11).
- A rose for Rose of Sharon
symbolizing the Church in Christ
(Song of Solomon 2:1).
Polish up your Horah Steps
See “Unleavened Bread”
chapter to learn this dance. Or learn a new song.
A suggestion for songs to use are those included
on the tapes Yeladim for Yeshua (Children for
Jesus). Many Messianic Jewish groups’ tapes
(such as Liberated Wailing Wall) are available
for a blend of joyful “parading” music
and worshipful “blessing time” or dinner
music. A “teens only” family may want
to use Bible-oriented games instead of a parade.
Remember the focus: making a meaningful memory.
Read to Hear
This is a good opportunity to
plan to read through the Bible in the coming year.
Three chapters a day is average. You may want
to do more Psalms, or group them with some of
the chapters in 1 and 2 Samuel as you read about
David. Don’t just read to be “doing
it.” Read to hear from the Lord. You won’t
be disappointed!
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