Zman Simchateinu Merit Badge Grades 4-7

Written by Edwin R. Frankel, 2011–10–02

זְמַן שִׂמְחָתֵנוּ (Zman Simchateinu), the Season of Our Joy, is the name Jews apply to the nine day stretch of holidays that begin with seven days of סֻכּוֹת (Sukkot) and ends with two days of שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת (Shmini Azeret). It arrives exactly five days after Yom Kippur, and marks a transition from the solemnity of the High Holy Days to a period devoted to festivity and joy. At least it does in theory. The reality is that there are no times on the Jewish calendar that are solemn without joy, and no periods of joy that do not have moments of solemnity.

It may at first seem odd that one can be both solemn and joyful at the same time. When one really thinks about it, though, it is not weird at all. Aside from Jewish holidays, all people have experienced times in their lives that are both solemn and joyful. For example, have you ever experienced the death of a loved one? Usually it is marked by a solemn funeral. At the same time, if the loved one had a good life, the mourning time is colored with wonderful, pleasant, happy memories. Perhaps you have been to a graduation from high school or college. There are few more joyful times in a student’s life, and yet those occasions are very solemn ceremonies as well.

So too, one can understand the overlap of solemnity and happiness not only on Sukkot and Simchat Torah, but even on the holiest of days, Yom Kippur.

In Hebrew Yom Kippur is vocalized יוֹם כִּפּוּרִים, which means the Day of Atonement. However, the Sages of Jewish tradition remind us that the name might also be vocalized as יוֹם כְּפוּרִים, which means a day like Purim For many Purim is the most fun filled day of the year. The Sages described the Day of Atonement as a happy time! Why? Perhaps our אֱמוּנָה (emunah), faith, in the Holy One assures us of a good outcome. We pray and hope that God will be lenient in judgment, and we rest easy in that faith.

Sukkot begins a most joyous period of time. Many Jews eat their meal and even camp out in סֻכּוֹת (sukkot), “sukkahs” for the entire seven day holiday. It is fun to eat outdoors under the stars, and to enjoy the fresh air as we eat. At the same time, as we spend time in the סֻכָּה (sukkah), we are reminded of God. We remember that for forty years our ancestors wandered around the desert and lived in סֻכּוֹת as they went from Mount Sinai to the Holy Land. We cannot help but notice that we do not live in these temporary structures during the warmth and sunshine of the summer, but as the Fall begins, when it is likely to rain, and when it is not so easy. To spend significant time in a סֻכָּה is therefore a time of deep אֱמוּנָה.

As we spend time in our סֻכּוֹת many invite special friends and relatives to visit with them. Not only do we invite living friends from our neighborhood, but also special friends from the Bible, heroes of the Jewish past. These special biblical friends are called אֻשְׁפִּיזִין (ushpizin) and include: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David. To this list many also add Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah and Ruth. To invite special company is always joyous, and yet as we invite our אֻשְׁפִּיזִין, it reminds us of our roots in Jewish tradition, and the importance of the past to shape today.

When Rosh Hashanah began, a special period called the Ten Days of Repentance started. That period is marked by self examination in an effort to improve our behavior in the future. According to Jewish tradition the Almighty begins judging the People of Israel on Rosh Hashanah. The first verdict, or seal, is set at Yom Kippur. However, the final verdict is not made permanent until the last day of סֻכּוֹת. That day is so special, Jewish tradition gives it a special name: הוֹשַׁעְנָא רַבָּה (Hoshana Rabba). Those attending synagogue that day would be involved in solemn prayer to mark it. Because the final verdict is not reached until הוֹשַׁעְנָא רַבָּה, during סֻכּוֹת two greetings are used as Jews encounter each other. Because it is a joyous holiday, we wish one another חָג שָׂמֵחַ (Chag Same-ach) in Hebrew or Gut Yuntif in Yiddish, both mean “Have a Happy Holiday!” Because the final verdict is made on הוֹשַׁעְנָא רַבָּה, many also express the hope that they will receive a good final verdict גְּמָר חֲתִימָה טוֹבָה (Gmar Chatima Tovah.)

Following סֻכּוֹת Jews celebrate two more days of yuntif. They are called שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת. The Torah is very vague about this holiday’s purpose. It clearly is a special happy, solemn holiday. In Israel this holiday is only one day long, and on that day, Israeli Jews do what the rest of the traditional, Jewish world splits over two.

The first day of שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת is marked with special prayers. As on סֻכּוֹת and other Jewish holidays, we sing the special songs/psalms of the הַלֵּל (Hallel). The cantor also leads the congregation in a solemn prayer for rain. In Israel the rainy season begins soon after the Fall holidays. Both in Israel and around the world, too little or too much rain at any time can be very dangerous. Having enough rain at the proper time is what is most needed. It is for that reason that this prayer is delayed until the very end of the fall holidays, just before the rainy season begins. This prayer is named for the rain, and is therefore called גֶּשֶׁם (geshem). On this day too, while celebrating good fortune and hopeful for good weather, many cannot help but remember their loved ones who no longer are alive to celebrate with us. Their memories are cherished and recalled on this day during special prayers called יִזְכֹּר (Yizkor).

There is no more special mitzvah to the Jewish people than the study of תּוֹרָה

(Torah). Indeed the Sages of the Mishna said that if a person put all the mitzvot on a scale, and put the תּוֹרָה on the other side, the two sides will balance. Therefore, it is a very special, solemn, sacred time when we finish reading the תּוֹרָה and then begin it again. As sacred and solemn as it is, that time is also one of the happiest times of the Jewish year. The day when we do that is the second day of שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת. The time is so wonderful, though, that Jews give it a special name: שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה (Simchat Torah). On that day Jewish congregations march around the synagogue seven times with all their תּוֹרָה scrolls. Each person present is honored with an aliya, even the children.

Solemnity and joy may seem to be opposites for many, but for Jews these two states of mind live hand in hand. The High Holidays and זְמַן שִׂמְחָתֵנוּ may be the times that this coexistence is most felt.

Activities for זְמַן שִׂמְחָתֵנוּ

1. If you can make it into a sukkah at some time during the holiday, especially for a meal or snack, try to do so.

2. If you can, try to be in synagogue, especially on שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה

3. It is traditional to march behind the תּוֹרָה scrolls waving flags with Jewish scenes and verses on them. Perhaps, it would be a fun arts and crafts project to make your own

4. If you are unable to be in a sukkah, consider building a model sukkah to use as a centerpiece on your dining room table.

A Recipe for זְמַן שִׂמְחָתֵנו

Taiglach, a special pastry boiled in honey is traditionally eaten during the Fall holidays. Below is a recipe for this yummy treat. It is borrowed from epicurious.com

Ingredients:

· 2-1/2 cups sifted flour

· 1/8 tsp salt

· 1 tsp baking powder

· 4 eggs

· 4 tablespoons salad oil

· 1 pound dark honey

· 3/4 cup brown sugar

· 1 tsp powdered ginger

· 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

· 2 cups filberts (or other nuts except peanuts) chopped

· 1/2 cup candied cherries (optional

Directions:

Sift theflour, salt and baking powder into a bowl. Make a well in the center and drop the eggs and oil into it. Work into the flour and mix until adoughis formed. Break off pieces of dough and rollinto pencil-thick strips. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and place on alightly greasedcookiesheet.
Bake in a 350 F oven for 20 minutes or until browned. Shake pan once or twice. Cool.
Cook the honey, brown sugar, ginger and nutmeg for 15 minutes. Drop the baked dough into it and cook for 5 minutes. Add the nuts and cook 10 minutes additional, stirring frequently. Test the mixture by dropping a little on a wet surface; if it holds together, it's done; if not, cook until it does. Turn out onto a wet board and let cool until easy enough to handle. Then shape into 3-inch balls between moistened hands. Decorate with the candied cherries, if you wish.

Makes approximately 36.

Please review the contents of the above paragraphs as a family. There is much to consider. Review the special terms as well. This link will connect you to a preformatted set of flash cards.

To earn the merit badge:

1. Do an arts and crafts or cooking project related to זְמַן שִׂמְחָתֵנוּ

2. Choose one or more of the אֻשְׁפִּיזִין named in the paragraphs, and tell why that person is especially meaningful to you.

3. Add another person from more recent history that you would enjoy having as company on סֻכּוֹת and explain why that person was added

4. Explain why גֶּשֶׁם is both a joyful and solemn prayer

5. Sing a song from הַלֵּל

6. Interview a close friend or relative and discover a cherished memory from a loved one who is no longer alive

7. Read and explain or define each of the terms on the attached flash cards.