Yesterday and today are Simchat Torah. Simchat Torah is a holiday that celebrates the end and the beginning of the annual cycle of Torah reading observed by Jewish communities around the world. Every time that Jews study Torah we recite a blessing. That blessing concludes with the words la’asok b’divrei Torah. We thank God for the many blessings, insights, challenges, and opportunities that come with living a Torah mindful life.
Judaism has always emphasized the sweetness of Torah. There are many reasons why Torah is sweet. It reminds us who we are. It reminds us where we come from. It reminds us that we are a part of something much greater than ourselves. It reminds us that we are able to accomplish amazing things during our time on this earth.
I wrote this melody and original setting of the blessing for the study of Torah with these types of considerations in mind. It is beautifully performed by a group of Davis Academy students. We sang it today at our school-wide Simchat Torah celebration. I hope you enjoy it!