Simchat Torah
Simchas Torah
Presents a teitch quoted from the Frierdiker Rebbe that hakafah, besides meaning to circle the bimah, also means to take merchandise on credit. Traces the idea to a story of the Rebbe Rashab, who, before taking the first Sefer Torah of hakafot in tof-reish-mem-ches, questioned a guest about what a middleman does in business — and drew out the lesson that hakafot mark the point in the year when, after 'purchasing' the merchandise of Elul through Shemini Atzeres, a Yid is ready to take on new credit.
Simchas Torah
Tells over the story of a simple Yid who danced with unusual strength at hakafot, and who, when asked whether his enthusiasm reflected great learning, answered that he was celebrating because his fellow Yidden were learning Torah — just as one dances at a brother's wedding. Draws out that this is precisely the point: Simchas Torah celebrates every Yid's connection to the etzem of Torah, beyond and prior to actual learning, which is why we dance with the sefer Torah rather than open it to learn.
Why Joy Requires Eating and Drinking
Continues the Chol HaMoed/Yom Tov simcha theme -- a bas kol announcing forgiveness, Shlomo HaMelech's prayer opening the Temple's gates, and the bittersweet goodbyes on Simchas Torah.
Why We're Careful Not to Count Things Out Loud
Simchas Torah-adjacent folklore on ayin hara -- stories of generosity, Yiddish expressions used to ward off the evil eye, and old superstitions around animals and month names.