Kavvanot for the Seven Hakafot for Simchat Torah

by Ami Goodman

For Hakafa #1 –

As we hold the Torah close, we recall her teachings of pidyon shvu’im – the redemption and freeing of captives. May we remember all those currently held in captivity, and me we soon see the release of all held captive and hostage and celebrate in their safe return home.

For Hakafa #2 –

Our Torah recounts the deep mourning Jacob had for Joseph when his death was reported to Jacob by the brothers. And so, on this Hakafa, we temper our joy as we recall with profoundgrief all the lives which have been and continue to be snuffed out, for all those suffering, and for all those traumatized and severely injured daily in Gaza and Israel.

Hakafa #3 –

The Land is described in the Torah as an “Eretz zavat chalav ud’vash – A land flowing with milkand honey,” teaching us of the fertility of the Land. So too are the fertile hopes and promise of the Land for all who dwell on her and tend to her. Let us dance, keeping in our hearts the dream and fertile possibilities of a Land for each of the peoples who love her, for and for their secure human right of self-determination.

Hakafa #4 –

As the Torah recounts in detail the deep and heart-wrenching wailing by the exiled Hagar for her dying son Yishma’el, let us remember in this hakafa all those who are grieving – the orphaned, the widowed, the mothers of needlessly starving children, the families of hostages enduring horrific conditions, and for all those suffering needlessly.

Hakafa #5 –

We recently read in Parshat Nitzavim, “Lo bashamyim hi” - the wisdom of Torah is not in the heavens, but accessible and realizable by all. In this spirit, we have been tirelessly taught by Reb Barry Barkan of his chazon (vision) of an urgent paradigm shift in human consciousness towards a world suffused with Ruach Shalom – The Spirit of Wholeness and Peace.” Let us dance withthe Torah on this Hakafa, mindful of the urgency of this fundamental and desperately needed shift, realizing it is accessible to all and not a vision residing in the heavens.

Hakafa #6

Simchat Torah means “Happiness in the Torah”, though Simcha means much more – it is a full embodiment of joy. As Reb Jill Hammer teaches, just as we roll the Torah to its beginning, so we must renew and re-roll ourselves for the new year. She teaches, “Let our dance with the Torah be a reflection of the new wisdom we want to receive in the coming year.” As we whirl and turn with the Torah, let us whirl and turn and be mindful as we shake off our personal shmutz – letting go of unnecessary baggage, othering, and prejudices, and dancing towards out better selves. We are given a new chance.

For Hakafa #7 -

The main themes of the Torah revolve around love, connection and peace. As we dance the final Hakafa, may all the hopes and desires of the previous Hakafot, and may all the teachings of the Torah, guide us and challenge us towards peace with justice, as she says in Leviticus, “I will grant peace and wholeness in the land”. And as we hold her close during the Hakafa, let us hold her close to our hearts throughout the new year and remember that drakheha darkhei no’am, vekhol netivoteha shalom – her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths lead to a just and whole peace.”

A Hakafot companion for Simchat Torah, 2024 

by Dr. Sara Asher, Dean of students, Yeshiva University 

 Hakafah 1: For the Hostages For the tortured and stolen, let our dancing storm the heavens And open up the floodgates of compassion. Let our unified singing demolish every decree. Our brothers and sisters, you suffered for our people! Enough! God, your children are broken; bring them back to us. 

 Hakafah 2: For the Soldiers and Their Families For the soldiers who go to battle, For the peace-loving parents who send their sons and daughters to war, For the wives who shoulder the care for their families, And for the children who need their parents. We dance around you in circles, Honoring your courage, and holding your vulnerability and pain. We surround you with prayers of protection and Divine providence. May you and your friends return home in peace, To your loved ones, whole in body and spirit. 

Hakafah  3: For the Bereaved Families We hold your families close, your loss is our loss. We dance for you, as your circles are no longer whole. We dance with the hope that you will laugh again and be comforted. God, let the overflowing tears of our people wash away the pain, And bring forth a peaceful future. 

 Hakafah 4: For the Misplaced and the Evacuated We dance for those who have left their homes in search for basic safety. Our dance is a prayer that you return home That you are rewarded for the sacrifices you’ve made. We hold your children in our circle of safety, promising them that they are not alone. May we all, one day soon, join you in your homes for simachot with endless joyful dancing.  

Hakafah 5: For Those Who Need Healing Dance for those who need healing, Are injured in body and soul, Who can't dance because they have been too hurt. God, heal them completely, Give them strength to continue. 

Hakafah 6: For Our Creator We followed You into the desert, Followed you with faith. We danced and sang at the beginning of that journey, And we will do so now. We dance for You with complete hope; That the Healing will come in an instant. Your glory has been broken, Your presence exiled. Restore your people, so your honor will be restored. עשה למענך ,עשה למען שכינתך.


Hakafah 7: For Am Yisrael from All Corners of the Earth Dance together in unity, Open your hearts to each other. Dance for all the Jews, For our united force. Raise your spirits, be proud; A people who rejoice as one, will be redeemed as one. 


 Written by Dr. Sara Asher, Dean of students at Yeshiva University I will be printing this up as my Hakafot companion this year. Chag sameach and besurot tovot