As we have begun a new year of Torah study, I am reminded of the beautiful tradition that completes Sim Chat Torah. After the rolling back of the scroll, after the dancing and rejoicing with the Torah, comes the placing of the Torah back into the Ark. The tradition that goes along with this is some singing or worship as the scroll is placed back in the Ark.
We have a double door on our Ark, so two people take a door and slowly close the door as the music and celebration is coming to an end. This reflects what we see in our Torah portion this week.
It is called Noach, or Noah. Genesis chapter 7 verse 1, begins like this, “And the LORD says to Noah, ‘Come into the Ark and all your household, for it is you that I have seen as a righteous man before Me in this generation.’”
Now skip down to the last two verses in this Aliyah, verse 15, “And they came to Noah to the ark, two by two of all flesh in which there is the spirit of life. (vs 16) And those who came, male and female of all flesh, as G-d had commanded him, and the LORD shut him in.”
It is both a solemn and exciting realization. Solemn because of those that remained outside of the ark, and the reality thereof. Exciting because we whom follow the Word of YHVH are shut in; in safety, security and shalom.
It is sobering to realize that this little tradition will be, one day, reflected by the words, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” It is with a fore-longing expectation that we will one day hear, “Well down, thou good and faithful servant.”
Which side of the doors will you be found on?
Take comfort, I believe in a gracious, merciful, and kind Elohim. He is not cruel, nor a burdensome taskmaster. I strongly believe that we who are simply trying to abide by His will, His law and His commands will find ourselves in the refuge of His Ark of the Covenant. And there we shall live and move and have our being; forever more. HalleuYah!
Blessings and Shalom!
David Salinas
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