Second laps were meant for one where the split was only natural. In the Diaspora, Simchat Torah is celebrated on the second day of the holiday, with us already on Sunday. In order to express the unity of destiny and destiny of the people in Israel and the Diaspora, a few decades ago, second laps began to be instituted on the eve of our holiday, which is the second night of the holiday abroad.
Thousands in second laps at the Western Wall || Western Wall Heritage Foundation
There is hardly a city in Israel that has not been honored with these laps. Hundreds of thousands take advantage of the opportunity that Torah scrolls find on the streets of the city and allow their children to approach the books, give them a kiss and maybe even hug and dance with the Torah. Tel Aviv, the first Hebrew city, excelled in these circles, which included many of the city's residents – religious and non-religious. The harsh atmosphere that exists these days must not provide any legitimacy to interfere with this event that characterizes our cohesion and unity.
Second laps in Tel Aviv,
Naturally, there are many opinions within us about how people will want to celebrate the laps. Some would like to exist without gender segregation, others would want complete separation as is customary in Orthodox synagogues in the Jewish world. The potential for strife is clear. Add to that the fears and anxieties that are currently fanning all sides, rightly or wrongly - and here we have a tested recipe for an explosion.
Second laps in Tel Aviv, photo: Gideon Markowitz
There is no reason not to continue with the format of these events as we have done in the past. The public domain is not a synagogue, but dancing with Torah scrolls is not a dance party for teenagers in a club. In the middle between the two extremes are the balance and common sense that will turn the joy of Torah into a source of love and unity.
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