Simchas Torah Joy Dampened Throughout Boro Park Communities

YS Gold 

Given our connected age, the horrific news from Eretz Yisroel spread in our communities like wildfire, casting a pall over the hakofos of Simchas Torah, a time that is usually extremely joyful. Given the restrictions of Yom Tov, the news filtered in in bits and pieces, with many refusing to believe their ears—and nothing could have prepared them for the real numbers that they would hear following Yom Tov. 

Rabbonim and Admorim were tasked with leading their flocks during such a trying time—striking a balance between seeking to retain the joy of Yom Tov and of the holy Torah, which can pierce even the greatest calamities, while keeping the plight of our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel in our hearts. 

Many leaders throughout the community addressed the news in the midst of Yom Tov, and many waited until motzei Yom Tov. 

The Bobover Rebbe spoke to his chassidim on Shemini Atzeres morning, after returning the sifrei Torah to the aron kodesh, before beginning tefillas geshem, attired in his kittel. He noted the greatness of the day, and how it is such an auspicious time for tefillah. In a choked voice, he cried out on behalf of our brethren who find themselves in such a calamitous position. 

In Bobov-45, the Rebbe instructed the chassidim to recite Tehillim on Shemini Atzeres and storm the heavens in these harsh times for Acheini Bnei Yisroel, and asked not to engage in any frivolity during mussaf on Simchas Torah.

Rav Moshe Wolfson, shlit”a, spoke with his chassidim about the horrific rumors emanating from the holy land, but explained that the joy of Yom Tov must not be disturbed, and that this was the best way to effect yeshu’os for Klal Yisroel. 

The motzei Yom Tov celebrations that are traditional in many courts were significantly dampened, and most canceled the music that comes along with these celebrations, including Munkatch and Chernobrel, as Klal Yisroel keeps their minds and hearts focused on the plight of their brethren in Eretz Yisroel.