God expects us to respond to a crisis by improving our behavior.
The festivities all abruptly ended at 8:30 a.m., when it was announced that there was a “security event.” From then on, the day was unlike any other Simchat Torah.
Was I doing the right thing by suspending Shabbat – which I have observed my entire life – to keep the world informed?
The parsha opens with: “This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelites farewell before he died” (Deut. 33:1).
When we delve into it, study its teachings, and live according to its guidance, we lead meaningful and elevated lives.
It is a fitting benediction to end the festival of Simchat Torah and Sukkot, in which three times we are commanded to rejoice.
There is a common misconception that menstruating women are not allowed to touch the Torah. However, halachic sources dating back to the Talmud do not support such an assertion.
JPOST Digital Library
