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Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation
Reston, VA

by Felicia E. Giles

In Celebration of Simchat Torah

It is the eve of Simchat Torah as I enter the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation's sanctuary in Reston, Virginia. It is half an hour until the service starts so I am rather early and not many people are about yet. I have decided to attend this particular service because today is the last day of Sukkot, which is one of the Jewish High Holidays. And I love a celebration.

As I take a look around the outer sanctuary I notice it looks like any other place except there are pictures of Jerusalem hanging on the walls. Not art work though, actual pictures. The sound of a man and woman singing over a guitar fills the air and I immediately feel comfortable. Music is an important part of the service here too.

I venture back down the hall and finally peak into the sanctuary. There is a book cart next to the doors with prayer books on it. As I look inside I see the sanctuary is the same as in most places. There are rows of chairs but in the back is what looks like a dance floor. Women are setting up a long table with food on it. I knew tonight was going to be special because of all the food I see. I remember you mentioning in class that there is always food at a party.

What draws my gaze is the long, cloth covered table in the center of the sanctuary between the rows of chairs and the man and woman hovering over it. I see a long, what looks like parchment paper, scroll spread over the table. As I enter the sanctuary, done mainly in red, the woman notices me. I guess, since there are very few people it would be hard not to. She smiled at me as I took my seat closest to the door and in the last row. I was a little afraid I would be asked to leave since it is a special night.

I am only in my seat a few minutes when the woman approaches me. Her warm manner and outstretched hand makes me feel even better about being here. She smiles and introduces herself as Rabbi Rosalind Gold. Her greeting is warm and she makes me feel welcome instantly. I explain I am here to learn more about Judaism and observe the service. She seems OK with that.

Rabbi Gold tells me that tonight is the last of Sukkot, and a very special night because it is Simchat Torah. The festive atmosphere and singing and dancing are not typical in regular services and are not usual she says with a laugh. On top of this, the children are being consecrated tonight. She tells me that once the children become consecrated they begin their religious teachings, which is a very exciting time. The children will be a large part of the service.

I sneak a peak at the table between the aisles and she tells me the Torah has been laid out for everyone to see. I look at this impressive document and notice it is in Hebrew. I am not sure what language I thought would be there. The writing is beautiful, small, and precise. The Rabbi shows where it ends and begins. I ask about the large structure at the front of the sanctuary and she tells me that is the Ark where the Torah is kept. The Eternal flame above is a 3-D Star of David in silver and gold. It is beautiful.

I take my seat just in time to watch people start arriving. The quiet that has taken the place of the guitar and singing is quickly gone as the congregation starts arriving. It seems as if they come in waves, like they have all shown up at once and just now decided to enter. The din of conversation quickly becomes a roar as people great each other, as young girls find their friends and people find their seats. I notice a lot of surprise at the Torah laid out on the table. It must be a very special night.

Rabbi Gold gives everyone a last chance to see the Torah. I hear a small boy tell his mother he has seen it already, and yet he too rushes to the table to look. As the service begins the man and woman who were singing earlier begin the service in song. I open the praise book called "Gates of Joy" by Rabbi Chaim Stern to the appropriate page but notice most of the adults around me do not need it. It is then that I realize the book is backwards.

As the service continues with songs and prayers I can feel an air of excitement building in the room. Rabbi Gold must ask the congregation to settle down many times. The children are called by grade to the front where they stand under a chuppah. She says this is to remind them of Torah and the marriage between God and Israel.

As the children are blessed by first the Rabbi and then their parents the crowd grows restless. At the end of the ceremony everyone seems to sit a little straighter. Before my eyes the Ark is opened and the Torah is taken out. Three people are called to take it and the children fall in behind them. Before I know what is happening a parade has started and the children follow the Torah through the synagogue and around. Here is the singing and dancing I was promised.

Rabbi Gold encourages everyone to take a turn carrying the Torah or playing the tambourines that have been passed out. Almost the entire congregation is up on their feet now. The clapping has become so loud now that I can barely hear the guitar but do catch the occasional "Shalom". This is what everyone has been waiting for. Again the Rabbi must ask people to share and make sure everyone has a chance to carry the scrolls. Flags are handed out with "Rejoice with Torah" written on them. The service is over and now it is time to celebrate.

I really enjoyed my evening with the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation. I felt as welcomed there, as I would have at my own church. The language and music were beautiful and it was an honor to observe the celebration of this holiday. 

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