Starting tonight, I will once again be off line, celebrating the end of Sukkot and the wonderful holiday of Simchat Torah. Our Sukkot thus far was very nice.
Eating in the Sukkah:
Making graham cracker Sukkahs:
Zachary and Daddy even slept in the Sukkah at a local synagogue with the Cub Scouts!
I wrote about Simchat Torah last year, but once again, I’m happy to share one of my favorite holidays!
Simchat Torah means “Rejoicing in the Torah.” This holiday marks the completion of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings. Each week in synagogue we publicly read a few chapters from the Torah, starting with Genesis Ch. 1 and working our way around to Deuteronomy 34. On Simchat Torah, we read the last Torah portion, then proceed immediately to the first chapter of Genesis, reminding us that the Torah is a circle, and never ends.
This completion of the readings is a time of great celebration. There are processions around the synagogue carrying Torah scrolls and plenty of high-spirited singing and dancing in the synagogue with the Torahs. As many people as possible are given the honor of an aliyah (reciting a blessing over the Torah reading); in fact, even children are called for an aliyah blessing on Simchat Torah. In addition, as many people as possible are given the honor of carrying a Torah scroll in these processions. Children do not carry the scrolls (they are much too heavy!), but often follow the procession around the synagogue, sometimes carrying small toy Torahs (stuffed plush toys or paper scrolls). [source]
Simon made a flag in school last year, and once again this year! Let’s compare.
Last year.
This year.
And Zachary also made this flag when he was 3!
This year, Zachary made this one.
I love it!
Last week, Simon wanted to wear a jacket to synagogue, but it wasn’t cold out. Finally I decided to let him wear this blazer. I tried to take a picture, but he wouldn’t stop moving. So thanks to picassa, here is Simon in action.
Lastly, I’m a part of a giveaway at Lanaya’s blog, and you can enter it here as well!
See everyone back here on Sunday!
