Simchat Torah[1]
the joy of Torah
joyous
respite
for agile minds
forever
diving
into the flow
of words
deciphering
and multiplying
their meanings
the annual rejoicing
stirring the heart
and the feet
to rapture.

Eitz Chayyim hi
la-machazikim bah
‘She is a Tree of Life
to those who grasp Her’
the Torah
clasped
in loving embrace
its ancient letters
dancing
from past
to present
from ending
to beginning
whirling
into new life
with every step.

Elli Tikvah Sarah

  1. Post-Biblical festival that celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings from Genesis to Deuteronomy, and inaugurates the resumption of the cycle. ↑