For the first time ever, people from all over came together to celebrate the holiday of Simchas Torah. Simchas Torah is a Jewish Holiday celebrating the conclusion and beginning of the cycle of weekly Torah (the Bible) readings. This holiday comes at the conclusion of the 8-day Sukkos holiday when Jews eat in outdoor huts, which follows the High Holidays – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – the New Year.
It is celebrated worldwide with dancing with the Torah scrolls and joyous celebrations for the adults and children.
The excitement began on Monday evening at 6:30pm. Guests from Mansfield, Easton, Foxboro, Attleboro, Norton, Taunton, North Attleboro and elsewhere gathered in the Mansfield VFW for delicious food, traditional flags for the children and much joyous dancing.
When Chabad first debuted in Mansfield area for Free High Holiday services, it met in the Rabbi’s own home. Only 17 people attended. But now, this year, in our seventh season, the Ballroom in the Holiday Inn hotel had an overflowing crowd of more than 200 people! People are feeling part a growing community and we are absolutely delighted.
“After so much success and growing, year to year, into something more contemplative and serious,”, Tzivi Kivman, the co-director of the Chabad Jewish Community Center said, “it was time to show people the fun and Joy in Judaism.”
Children were hoisted on parents shoulders. Old and young alike locked hands as everyone danced in large circles as Yossi Kivman, Rabbi and co-Director of the Chabad Jewish Center led the dancing with the Torah scroll.
“It was heartwarming to see people of all ages and backgrounds–some for their first time ever, some for the first in many years–welcome each other into one beautiful dance, said Dan Goodman of Easton. “If you haven’t yet gotten a taste of the many programs, events and learning series Chabad offers, the right time is now.”
“Part of the beauty is you don’t have to belong to enjoy what Chabad offers.” Jen Shulman of Mansfield said. “We belonged to a Temple for years, and participating at Chabad enhances our religious and cultural experience.”
“My family has never belonged to any temples locally,” added Bruce Weinstein of North Attleboro. “The Chabad community makes you feel like family.”
For more information about the upcoming class, “The Kabbalah of YOU”, as well as Chanukah events in the area go to www.JewishMansfield.com or call 508-339-8767.
This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishBoston assumes no responsibility for them. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Publish your own post here. MORE