It’s that time of year again for orthodox women to become spectators at one of the liveliest holidays of the Jewish year – Simchat Torah.
Yes, it’s time to break out those Torah scrolls and watch the men get their groove on,
while we cheer them on during the Hakafot.
To be fair, this is prime male bonding time for the guys, plus a chance for them to show off their moves.
It’s a great opportunity for the ladies to fan girl out over the men, as they willingly put themselves on display for our entertainment.
Of course, it would be nice to allow the women to strut their stuff too.
However, letting the women dance with Torah scrolls would be a perversion of all that is holy, and could lead to the worst of all biblical abominations – mixed dancing.
Of course, some of us ladies are lucky enough to have a special designated area to play Ring Around the Rosie while Hakafot are going on at the other side of the mechitza.
The not so lucky among us are relegated to watching from the sidelines and nothing more.
Even further, some women can only listen to the action going on over at the men’s side from behind a barrier –
However you will be enjoying Simchat Torah festivities this year, I hope you will find it both fun and meaningful. It shouldn’t just be a holiday for men and children to enjoy, while the women’s main level of participation is setting up the seuda (holiday meal). Regardless of how our current orthodox culture has evolved to interpret appropriate female involvement in the festivities,
and Hashem gave us the Torah too. As recipients, we are entitled to rejoice in that gift with the dignity and respect we deserve.
