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A Simchas Torah
we can never forget.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Simchas Torah, the Jewish community faced its most horrific day since the Shoah, with nearly 1,200 lives cruelly taken and many more held hostage. This tragedy has bonded us in deep collective sorrow.
As the Jewish world remains united in grief, we are challenged with the difficult question:
Can we dance?
Should we dance?
October 2024 will mark the first Simchas Torah since the devastating events of October 7, 2023. Traditionally a day of joy, dancing, and celebration, this Simchat Torah will also serve as the first yahrzeit for the 1,200 victims and a time to honor the hostages and soldiers who have passed since that day.
Now the Jewish community faces profound questions: How should we respond? Is it possible to celebrate as we once did?
With tears in our eyes we will dance.
The words of Shlomo Hamelech in Kohelet, that we will read on Sukkos, offer us guidance: “There is a time for everything under the Heavens… a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Simchas Torah 2024 will be that time.
A Simchas Torah shared throughout the world.
Kehillos around the world will open their Aron HaKodesh on Simchas Torah night and take out several Sifrei Torah. One, or more, will be adorned with a new me’il, designed to mark the first yahrzeit of October 7th. This me’il will be identical to the ones which will be created for 1500 synagogues across the world. This beautifully designed me’il will proclaim that this Torah is dedicated in memory of the 1200 neshamos and the many soldiers and hostages who have since died, Al Kiddush Hashem.
Every Single Soul is an Entire Torah
Each Torah me'il will feature the name of one of the kedoshim embroidered onto it. Kehillos around the world will dance with these Sifrei Torah – thousands of communities, with hundreds of thousands if not millions of Jews being connected through this project.
Each me’il is embroidered with the Ner Neshama along with the Pasuk from Kohelet, “There is a time to mourn, and a time to dance”
The Front of the me’il
The Back is embroidered with the name of one of the souls of the many soldiers and hostages who have died, Al Kiddush Hashem since the events of October 7th.
United in sorrow.
United in celebration.
Am Yisrael will be unified, knowing that across the globe, Jews are dancing with Torah scrolls that collectively link us all with the events of October 7th, and inspire us to realize that “Am Yisrael Chai.” Kehillos will dance with the newly robed Torah, to remember the fallen, by holding their Torah high, so that they can say: “We will not forget what happened on Simchas Torah last year, but we are determined to dispel the darkness with light.”
This project will symbolize the Jewish People’s resilience, our ability to find hope in the face of tragedy.
Over 1500 communities across the globe will unite for Israel and the Jewish people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the idea behind the Simchas Torah project? 
This October will mark the first Simchas Torah since the horrific events of October 7th.
Simchas Torah is a day of joy, celebration, and hakafos – but Simchas Torah 5785 will also mark the first yahrzeit of the 1200 victims of October 7th. How do we, the Jewish people, respond? On Simchas Torah, will we dance? Should we dance? How do we commemorate this poignant and difficult anniversary?
Shlomo Hamelech offers us guidance in Kohelet, which we will read on Sukkos, “There is a time for everything under the Heavens…. a time to mourn and a time to dance.” This Simchas Torah, with tears in our eyes, we will dance.
Synagogues around the world will open their Aron HaKodesh on Simchas Torah night and take out several Torah scrolls. One, or more, will be adorned with a new me’il, designed to mark the first yahrzeit of October 7th. This me’il will be identical to the ones which will be created for 1500 kehillos across the world. This beautifully designed me’il will proclaim that this Torah is dedicated in memory of the 1200 souls and the many soldiers and hostages who have since died, Al Kiddush Hashem. Each Torah me'il will feature the name of one of the kedoshim embroidered onto it. Kehillos around the world will dance with these Torah scrolls – thousands of communities, with hundreds of thousands if not millions of Jews being connected through this project.
The Jewish world will be unified, knowing that across the globe, Jews are dancing with Torah scrolls that collectively link us all with the events of October 7th, and inspire us to realize that “Am Yisrael Chai.”
Kehillos will encourage their members to come and dance with the newly robed scroll, to remember the fallen, by holding their Torah high, so that they can say: “We will not forget what happened on Simchas Torah last year, but we are determined to dispel the darkness with light.”
This project will symbolize the Jewish People’s resilience, our ability to find hope in the face of tragedy.
Over 1500 communities across the globe will unite for Israel and the Jewish people.
What is the cost to participate in the Simchas Torah Project?
How does my Kehillah get involved?
When is the closing date to sign up my Kehillah?
What if we want a new Torah for this project, as well as the Torah Cover?