We celebrate the Jewish people's relationship with the Torah on two holidays: Shavuot, which follows Passover, and Simchat Torah, or “Rejoicing of the Torah,” which comes after Sukkot and
Shemini Atzeret. On Shavuot, we stay up all night studying Torah to commemorate receiving it at Sinai. On Simchat Torah, we commemorate the completion of the annual reading of the Torah by taking the scrolls out of the ark and dancing with them around the synagogue seven times. A similar tradition happens at a Jewish wedding when one partner circles the other seven times under the chuppah. Both customs stem from the Biblical story of Joshua circling the ancient city of Jericho seven times, after which the walls of the city collapsed.
Like the walls of Jericho, we want the emotional and spiritual walls separating the bride and groom to fall, allowing them to be united in spirit. On Simchat Torah, we want the walls between us and the Torah to collapse, symbolizing our desire to grow closer to the Torah like two people on their wedding day. On Shavuot, we express our love and excitement for receiving the Torah by staying up all night and studying it.
These holidays are about forming deeper relationships with our heritage, the Torah and community to build a sense of belonging that has proved to have a significantly positive impact on our mental and physical wellness.
A study by Stanford Medicine found that by cultivating a “social connection,” people can experience longevity of life, stronger immune systems, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and higher levels of self-esteem and empathy. Social connection refers to the subjective experience of feeling close and like one belongs to a community or heritage. Additionally, having a sense of family history and knowing where you come from can give you a sense of identity and build resilience, according to SelectHealth, a not-for-profit health plan based in the United States. Connecting with your past helps people live fuller, richer futures.
For many Jews, their personal history is bound up in the stories and traditions of the Torah, and they cultivate a positive, exploratory relationship with it by studying its lessons regularly and observing the mitzvot (commandments) it prescribes that feel relevant to them. Others embrace their heritage by attending Passover Seders with their families and friends, lighting the Hanukkah candles or just wearing a Star of David necklace around their neck. Simchat Torah and Shavuot are our yearly reminders to embrace our stories and live our most meaningful lives.
Can you name seven ways you embrace and engage with your history? In what ways can you share that connection with others?
Activity: What is your story? Where do you come from? Write everything you know about your family history. Reflect on what you can do to cultivate a deeper understanding and relationship with your history. You may even make a family tree.
