Rabbi Explains Joyful Torah Dancing as Expression of Divine Connection

Rabbi Professor Yitzchak Cohen has explained the significance behind the tradition of dancing with the Torah scrolls on the holiday of Simchat Torah. He posits that this practice, often seen as dancing with a book of laws, is actually a profound expression of love and connection to God. Cohen uses a parable of a king who pardons a rebellious servant after witnessing him joyfully dance with the royal law book. This, he suggests, mirrors how the Jewish people's joyous embrace of the Torah, even with its restrictions, changes God's perception of them.

Cohen emphasizes that the dancing with a "closed book" symbolizes an acceptance of the Torah as it is, embodying the principle of "Na'aseh v'Nishma" (we will do and we will hear), signifying a commitment to the Torah and its giver. He argues that commandments should be viewed not merely as restrictions but as tools to elevate individuals and foster a connection with the Divine. This perspective is further illustrated by a story where a person's prayers for sustenance are reframed as opportunities to strengthen their connection to God.

Drawing parallels to the current era, marked by the events of October 7th, Cohen notes that his new book, "Tzan'ari Me'afar Kumi," published by Beit El, explores how faith provides resilience during times of crisis. He shared testimonies from former hostages, including Omer Shem Tov and Elia Cohen, who described experiencing an intense closeness to God during their captivity, which gave them strength. Cohen asserts that faith is a choice, a deliberate act of viewing life through a spiritual lens, and that the joy in dancing with the Torah is a powerful manifestation of this chosen connection, transforming the observance of commandments from mere obedience into an expression of love and belonging.