Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
A Time of Closeness and Belonging
Shemini Atzeret is a uniquely personal Jewish holiday. After the week-long celebration of Sukkot, Hashem invites us to linger for one more day, saying, “Kasheh alai preidatchem”—”Your departure is difficult for Me” (Rashi on Bamidbar 29:35). This Yom Tov is like a private moment between the Jewish people and Hashem, a time of closeness and connection. It is a reminder that Hashem’s love for us is deep and unwavering, and that every individual is cherished. Just as Hashem draws each of us close on Shemini Atzeret, we must embrace every Jew, regardless of need or ability.
Simchat Torah is a celebration of renewal. We complete the yearly cycle of Torah reading and immediately begin again. Our joy is expressed in singing and dancing, creating a circle where everyone, including individuals with disabilities, is welcomed. In that circle, we are a community where every person is valued. As we raise up the Torah in celebration, we lift the most vulnerable among us.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah remind us that we are that we are all an extension of one family – Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael. By including every person in our Yom Tov celebrations, particularly those with disabilities, we strengthen the collective beauty of our community. We stand together in unity and embody the closeness that Hashem desires for us. May this spirit of achdut carry us through the year to come, in good health and peace.
In Loving Memory of Dovi Porush, z’l Chaim Dov ben Binyamin Zev v’ Sara Yehudis
The Libenu community mourns the passing of Dovi Porush, z’l, a beloved participant in our Lev Respite programs. Dovi radiated joy and warmth to all who were fortunate enough to know him. He always had a positive, can-do attitude and never let his challenges get in his way. Dovi was genuinely concerned about others and wanted to make sure that everyone was taken care of and happy. The first to always lend a hand, Dovi was a best friend to all.
In Pirkei Avot it states “וֶהֱוֵי מְקַבֵּל אֶת כָּל הָאָדָם בְּסֵבֶר פָּנִים יָפוֹת”, which translates to “greet everyone with a pleasant countenance”. That was the essence of Dovi. He always had a warm smile for everyone. He was sweetness and light – to know Dovi was to love him.
Libenu extends our heartfelt condolences to the Sheffey and Porush families: parents Sara and Benjie; siblings Shana and Tzvi Hyman and Chani, Elisha and Yehudis Porush, and Jakie; grandparents Rabbi Israel and Esther Porush, and Caroline Barg.
May Dovi’s memory be for a blessing. תהא נפשו צרורה בצרור החיים – May his pure neshama be bound up in the bond of life.
