SAN DIEGO – Simchat Torah is such a joyous time to celebrate with friends and family. It marks the completion of reading the Torah and the anticipation of starting it all over again.
In college, I can remember attending a Hillel event with friends. We walked in celebration with the Torah at the front of the procession and we all danced and celebrated. When we returned there was wine and beer, so we all enjoyed a l’chaim and had to get back to our studies.
My twins have always enjoyed this night, I can remember bringing them to a celebration when they were four years old and just the awe in their eyes as they saw the Torah unrolled around the room. They went up to touch it and the looks on their faces were priceless. They were amazed by the feel and the attachments to our ancestors.
Within the community, many have asked if it is appropriate to celebrate Simchat Torah given last year it was on Simchat Torah in Israel when the Nova Music Festival massacre occurred. The events below mention dancing for those whom we have lost. The Torah is here to stay, and we have survived through thick and thin so celebrating in their honor and in the honor of past individuals goes back to the dawn of time.
Celebrating is good for your heart. Hugging those who are close and part of the community is what really helps us get through the dark times.
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Chabad of East County invites the community to attend “Simchat Torah: In Unity with Israel, We Will Dance for Them” at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. Hakafot (dancing with the Torah) will honor the Oct. 7 Kedoshim and IDF soldiers. The program will include a grand buffet dinner and l’chaims, Am Yisroel Chai Flags and Swag, children’s activities and dancing. Click here to rsvp.
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Chabad of Downtown invites the community to attend “We Will Dance for Them: Simchat Torah” at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. Dance even more for the captives and those that have lost their lives for Israel. With a prayer in our heart, next year we will all dance together in Jerusalem, organizers say. Click here to rsvp.
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Congregation Beth El presents “Shabbat Luncheon and Discussion: The Simchat Torah Flag, A Reminder of Jewish Messianism with Dr. Bard Cosman” at 12 p.m., Oct. 26. Cosman will discuss the waving of the Simchat Torah flag and its ceremonial significance. Click here to rsvp.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
Chabad at La Costa requests volunteers for a minyan at 5:45 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27, to help a member say kaddish on the occasion of a family yahrzeit. A quorum of 10 Jewish men 13 years old + is needed so Kaddish can be said. Click here if you can attend in this mitzvah.
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Chabad of Chula Vista presents “Lunch and Learn” 12 p.m., every Tuesday, over lunch, to discuss relevant Jewish topics using ancient wisdom as a guide in a modern society. Click here to rsvp.
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Coastal Roots Farm presents “Sacred Melodies: A Shabbat Gathering to Sing, Learn, and Feast” at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1. Welcome Shabbat with moving melodies of Kabbalat Shabbat with guest artist Mikey Pauker. Challah and wine provided but bring your own dinner, organizers say. Click here to rsvp.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue hosts a “Kol Tefillah” service at 6:15 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1. It features Shabbat song, prayer, and niggunim (melodies). Click here to learn more.
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Congregation Beth Israel invites the congregation to attend the “Installation Service of Assistant Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch” at 6:15 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8. Congregants are welcome to stay afterwards for a festive oneg.
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Hadassah San Diego announces “Am Yisrael Chai: What That Means to me with Dr. Roneet Lev” at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 10. Lev will share a first-hand account of her experiences in Israel since Oct. 7. Lev is a member of Hadassah, was born in Israel, leaving at the age of 2. She is an emergency and addiction physician who works on the front lines at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego. Click here to register and to receive address.
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Hillel San Diego warns of a campaign being launched by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) to “drop Hillel” from college campuses. Karen Parry, Executive Director of Hillel San Diego, asserts that Hillel is not going anywhere. Click here to donate.
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JEWISH HUMOR
Chabad of East County shares the following joke: “The visit to the dentist” One day, Betty goes to her dentist and asks him how much it will cost to extract a wisdom tooth. “Two hundred dollars,” the dentist says. “That’s a ridiculous amount,” Betty says. “Isn’t there a cheaper way?” “Well,” the dentist says, “if I don’t use an anesthetic, I can knock it down to a hundred and fifty dollars.” “That’s still too expensive,” Betty says. “Okay,” says the dentist. “If I save on anesthesia and simply rip the teeth out with a pair of pliers, I could get away with charging you only a hundred dollars.” “No,” moans Betty, “it’s still too much.” “Hmm,” says the dentist, scratching his head. “If I let one of my students do it without anesthetic and use a pair of old pliers – just for the experience, you understand, I suppose I could charge you just fifty dollars.” “Marvelous,” says the woman, “book my husband for next Tuesday!”
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.