Dear Doves,
      This day of observance is not commanded in The Torah, it is part of the traditions of men. In former times, this was the day the pilgrims were sent home from Jerusalem after the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days then followed by Shemini Atzeret. Simchat Torah has been a day for rejoicing in The Torah! It is symbolic of conclusion, closure, separation, and departure. Before this day, the temporary dwellings would have been dismantled. All was over, for the third pilgrimage festival to the Temple at Jerusalem. It was the time to go home. Ahead of them during the Autumn/Winter for Israel was the season of the land at rest. Agriculturally, it was also the season for people there for entering rest until he annual cycle began again at the month of Nisan. For the land and the people, they were entering into rest after the ingathering of harvest.
      Who personified The Torah, each word, as The WORD made flesh and dwelt with humankind? The Messiah did at His First Coming. The Messiah/Christ has been, is, and ever shall be THE LIVING TORAH. Forevermore. Amein.
      Simchat Torah is like any routine day because it is not a Sabbath day this year nor an additional Sabbath like Shemini Atzeret. On this day of Simchat Torah, in Israel two men can be working in a field harvesting early olives from the olive trees, by night or by day. Two women, night or day, can be grinding at a mill in Israel this day. Centuries ago, the pilgrims to Jerusalem were filled with joy and hope as they departed for home. The Day of The Blessed Hope will be a day of joy, hope, completion, closure, separation, and departure. Might Simchat Torah finally be Our Day for Entering His Rest and Returning to Home? May we daily WATCH for the arrival of The Beloved!
 
With Love and Shalom,
Jean