On Simchat Torah, figuring out how my interfaith family fit into the community
How miniature versions of the Five Books of Moses became a fixture of children’s Simchat Torah celebrations
How learning to ‘leyn’ Torah helped me connect with long-lost ancestors
The festive holiday now overshadows Shemini Atzeret, which has biblical roots
As a pre-teen in braces, I’d watch older boys dance in celebration. Today, I try to share the joy of the Torah with my own kids.
Samuel Pepys’ account of stumbling upon a lively synagogue service
An unlikely celebration from Moscow–40 years ago
Starting the Torah cycle anew and reckoning with Moses’ unfulfilled desire to reach the promised land