MOVING ON BY GOING IN CIRCLES

The end of Succoth, Hoshna Rabbah and Shemini Atzereth/ Simchat Torah are not merely the concluding days of Succoth. Instead these two (three outside of Eretz Yisrael) really are the culmination of Fifty one days of introspection, repentance and rejoicing that began nearly two months ago on the first day of Rosh Chodesh Elul. The Ta’amei Minhagim U’Mikorei HaDinim (paragraph 811) quoting the Bene Yissachar ZT’L ZY’A that Hoshina (please [G-D] save us) should be let the 51 days of prayer be a merit to save us for the coming year.

Succoth is when the world is judged for water (see Talmud Rosh HaShana 16a). Water is something everyone needs and is something that life and livelihood depend on (see Tur Orach Chaim 664). Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual Torah Reading cycle and its renewal. The common observance between the Two is on both days the Bimah, The place from where the Torah is read is circled seven times. Rabbi Moshe Iserles commenting on Orach Chaim 669 associates the two processions. The question remains what is the basis for the seven circuits and what is the significance? Tammei Minhagim U’ Mikorei HaDim (paragraph 805) connects the seven circuits observed in the Synagogue are a memorial for the Temple service which in turn is connected to the seven circuits made around Jericho prior to its destruction.

G-D commanded that after circling Jericho once a day for six days on the seventh however the city should circled seven times after which the whole nation following the Kohanim Shofar blasts by a single long Shofar blast. (see Joshua 6). The Ralbag ZT’L ZY’A (Joshua 6:3) explains that this unconventional warfare was ordained “ . . . [T]o inspire Israel and awaken them from thier deep slumber and pay attention to the miraculous events so that the nation [collectively and personally }will perceive and revere G-D. The Ralbag continues noting how unconventional this type of attack. concentrated sound waves can be destructive and such weapons are not beyond imagination, still a multitude of Shofar blasts having a similar effect is unlikely.

However consider this recalling the seven circuits around Jericho evokes the emotions necessary for both Hoshana Rabbah and Simchat Torah. Even if it seems improbable, if G-D wills it to be so, it will happen. So when praying for sufficient water remember one’s life depends solely on G-D and no where else. Therefore see G-D as the source of everything. Similarly on Simchat Torah rejoicing in the Torah is not expressed in study but its mere presence among people The Torah as G-D’s revealed will expresses a sign of concern for one’s successes and the success of all creation. The Torah’s presence should fill even the uneducated with a boundless joy in that G-D thought enough of them to bestow this gift upon Jewry.

Maybe this is indeed the lesson won and learnt over the Fifty One days of Elul and Tishrei that lasts through out one’s life. Understand is all from G-D, even in dark places He is there. What more powerful knowledge could one carry throughout the year.