Simchat Torah Project

A year on. 

So much pain, anguish and worry. We have witnessed communities destroyed, families torn apart and a conflict that redrew the lines forever. A day that is meant to be one of happiness and celebration, Simchat Torah 5784, was overshadowed by our nation’s greatest tragedy in living memory.

But in and among the darkness, sparks of light still shone through. Thousands of volunteers have poured into Israel to help in whichever way they can, funds have been raised, vital equpiment donated. We have also seen an upsurge in prayer, study and committment to acts of chessed (kindness). 

Oct 7th and its aftermath reminded us of the strength, resilience and enduring hope of the Jewish people. Simchat Torah, the celebration of the Torah’s completion, reminds us of the fabric that binds us together, the gift that makes us unique. 

This year, as part of our range of events commemorating Oct 7th, we are proud to launch The Simchat Torah Project:

1) We invite participating families to sign up before the deadline of Monday the 23rd of September.

2) Each participating family will receive a Simchat Torah Project Resource Pack

3) This pack contains: A picture of a hostage either still in Gaza or killed on/since Oct 7th, their Hebrew name, and a section of the Torah (with English translation and commentary) to study together as a family/individuals.

4) Participating families will also receive a single artistic panel featuring their section of the Torah, which is one piece in a much larger mosaic which will be displayed in the Shul to commemorate this beautiful initiative and amazing achievement. 

5) As the purpose of the Project is to complete the Torah in the merit and memory of the hostages in line with the anniversary of their capture, we ask that all participating families/individuals finish studying their sections by Thursday the 24th of October, which is the Hebrew anniversary of Oct 7th.

6) The following day, Simchat Torah itself, we will come together as a community to celebrate our completion of the Torah with pride and joy. We will also ‘unveil’ the mosaic built through the efforts of participating families and individuals. 

Study at your own pace, in your own time, in the comfort of your own home. 

Together, we will celebrate and strengthen our indentities as proud Jews in modern society.

Together, we will celebrate the wisdom and heritage that makes us unique.

Together, we will dance again.