I was thinking this week of a fascinating quote from our sages: Rabbi Oshaya said: What is the meaning of that which is written: “The righteous acts of His rulers [pirzono] in Israel” (Judges 5:11)? The Holy One, Blessed be He, performed a charitable deed toward Israel in that He scattered them [pizran] among the nations.”
Initially, when the Talmud was taught and written – the statement referred to the persecutions and other serious problems our nation experienced. It goes on to say that even if, Heavens forbid, there could be a case when a Jewish settlement somewhere on the planet gets hit badly – the survival and continuity of our people are secured as Jews are everywhere.
Fast forward to 2020 – with COVID nearly everywhere, including large Jewish populated areas and especially where the heart of every Jew is located – the Holy Land, this teaching has a whole new meaning.
Suppose there are certain Mitzvahs or Jewish practices that are extremely difficult or practically impossible to fulfill in one place globally; there will always be a community somewhere else that would accept the task and fulfill it for everyone else.
Why am I telling you all that? Because we currently are in a country that was, thank G-d, almost completely spared from the virus. Those of us who are allowed to assemble (maintaining all necessary precautions, of course) will have an even greater responsibility this year to participate and celebrate as a community.
Dancing with the Torah Scroll on Saturday night ( Hakafot), concluding the yearly reading, and starting again on Sunday morning ( Chatan Torah & Chatan Bereshit) comes with a special excitement and a greater impact for us here in Taiwan. Knowing we are in one of the few places that are allowed to assemble safely will help even those who don’t usually attend Simchat Torah to make an effort – if not for us, then for our brothers and sisters who are unable to do so.
Shabbat Shalom & Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Shlomi Tabib
