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Some run around and yell
Some stand around and shmooze.
Some sit in the coffee room.
But some sit in corner with a sefer
famous story with r boruch ber. he was dancing and then stopped in the middle and screamed out- “raboisai the dancing you so today is the way youll be learning for the rest of the year” and he continued dancing
What about someone who isn’t able to dance because of a physical conditions that limits mobility?
Sometimes an older adult has trouble walking, let alone prancing in circles.
Can clapping or smiling or just being part of the simcha and watching the fun merit the rewards of dancing in glee?
Also, Hashem wouldn’t expect someone to do something not possible, so what is the saying in these cases?
I guess you learn with great simcha
I don’t understand your logic in questioning one of the greatest roshei yeshivas in Europe on a comment he made 80 – 100 years ago to his talmidim.
iacisrmma: So you’re saying not to take this statement practically or for face value then?
Thank you and I am glad that you know the story so well. Please do tell me what the great rabbi said to the man who was on bedrest because he was unable to walk. I am not sure if they had wheelchairs back then, but maybe he had an answer for someone who was paralyzed and also could not dance?
This is a serious question because thank G-d adults are living longer today and there must be some way to fulfill this joyful dancing for those with limited mobility.
B’esrat Hashem that clarifies the logic.
Lightbrite: do you even know who R’ Boruch Ber is and when he lived? While this quote may not be appropriate in today’s circumstances (although it was quoted by the Morah Dasra of my shul) take into account when and where it was said. He was the Rosh Yeshiva of Kaminetz and was inspiring HIS talmidim for Simchas Torah. It could very well be that there were no elderly people, invalids, or others at that place and time. Stop trying to put modern day political correctness onto what are gedolim said and did 100 years ago.
iacisrmma: Yay I had all of these revelations today about this. At first I felt very passive aggressive defensive about your post. Then I thought about the context of yes 80-100 years ago.
First of all, what does it mean to celebrate the completion of the Torah? Well certainly someone who invested in studying all year round would have likely built up more appreciation and anticipation of the completion. So the person who dances at Simcha Torah with joy and participation can be a reflection on how much simcha he takes in Torah learning. That’s one thing.
The next thing is the context. You said Europe 80-100 years ago. Surely there was anti-Jewish tensions outside of the community. It’s possible that to be openly dancing with the Torah scrolls and being loud was something that some people dared not participate in due to fear of retaliation against Jewry. While this is a generalization, I do believe that those who were bold and resilient in their Torah study brought that zest into Simchas Torah.
So thank you for elaborating 🙂
Also also: What does this mean for today’s time? Those that relish in Torah today will merit the depth of joy in Simchas Torah. For those who may have not studied yet simcha-ed with fervor, maybe that expression demonstrates that they at least contribute to the joy and support those who do study.
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