HOW TO FIND JOY

This Thursday night was the start of the Jewish holiday, Simchat Torah, which translates into English as Joy of the Torah. It symbolizes the end of the current life cycle and the beginning of a new one.

The Torah consists of five books, which are divided into 54 weekly portions. On this holiday, Jews finish reading the last chapter and start reading from the first chapter of Genesis. This event is celebrated with joy and dancing. It might be difficult to comprehend; however, this is a very good reminder that the death of Moses, who took the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, is followed by a new beginning – the creation of our world.

 

During the recent Yom Kippur services in San Francisco, Rabbi Zarchi shared some stories about Israeli soldiers who died defending their country in the war in Gaza. One of them left a letter for his parents requesting that if he dies, not to be sad; but rather, be joyful at his funeral. In his letter he wrote that he had fulfilled his duty to protect his family and friends, and now it is time to celebrate that they are alive and to enjoy life.

There was also a story about a father whose son was killed by Hamas during the Nova massacre. In his memory, he donated 102 engagement rings to Israeli soldiers. It started with one, but when more soldiers reached out to him, not only did he decide to give each of them a ring, but he also danced at each of their weddings.

Regardless of what happens in your life, there is always a reason for joy.
I hope that you will find joy looking at these three images of beautiful flowers that I’m sharing with you today.

Enjoy and Share with a Friend!