The Charlotte Jewish News- October 2026- Page 24
Where the Torah Meets the Dance Floor
By Zack Tabachnikoff
Walk into a synagogue on Simchat Torah and you’ ll immediately notice something different. The typical rhythm of Jewish communal life gives way to singing, dancing and laughter. Torah scrolls are lifted high, circles form around the sanctuary and people of all ages join in a joyful celebration of Jewish pride.
For many Jewish teens in Charlotte, that feeling is surprisingly familiar. It’ s the same exuberance that fills a BBYO convention during spirit sessions, as hundreds of teens sing together at the top of their lungs, celebrating friendships, enduring traditions and the amazing bonds they share.
At both Simchat Torah celebrations and BBYO events, participation matters more than perfection. Nobody asks whether you know every Hebrew word of the song or every dance move. What matters is showing up and joining in.
On Saturday night at our much-anticipated conventions, hundreds of teens lock arms in a spiraling circle around a song leader armed with a guitar. All the chaos and stress that went into planning the weekend fade into the background.
As hundreds of excited teens scream“ Hamavdil” at the top of their lungs, the room transforms. Even those who are new or who do not yet know every word can feel the collective spirit of the circle. Perhaps most importantly, no one is left standing alone.
Another similarity is the way traditions move from one generation to the next. On Simchat Torah, children, parents, grandparents and community members gather side by side, singing tunes that have been passed down for centuries. Yet they somehow feel new as younger voices join the dance.
In BBYO, members quickly learn chapter songs, traditions, cheers and rituals from older teens. Before long, they find themselves teaching them to new members. Each generation adds something of its own while carrying forward what came before, creating a distinctly Jewish sense of continuity and belonging.
At the end of their senior year, BBYO members have an opportunity to reflect on their journey during the senior“ Life Ceremony,” a tradition built around three dedications. The first honors their past: the person who first welcomed them to BBYO, encouraged them to attend an event or helped them feel they belonged.
The second celebrates their present: the friends who have become like family, the people who have been there for every convention, meeting and latenight conversation.
The third looks to their future: an underclassman they have mentored, someone they believe will continue to lead and strengthen the chapter or region long after they’ re gone.
The“ Life Ceremony” carries an echo of Simchat Torah’ s cycle of endings and beginnings. Jewish life is often viewed through the lens of learning, history and responsibility, all of which are important. Yet Simchat Torah reminds us that Judaism can and should also be celebratory. Judaism can be loud, filled with music, dancing and smiling faces.
BBYO embraces that very same spirit. It creates and nourishes spaces where Jewish teens don’ t just learn about Judaism; they experience the joy of being Jewish together. Whether through a spontaneous dance circle at a convention, singing together during Havdalah, cheering on a chapter during competitions or simply gathering on a weeknight with Jewish peers, they create memories that last a lifetime.
As Charlotte’ s Jewish community celebrates Simchat Torah this year, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate the role joy plays in keeping Jewish life
Eastern Region BBYO members come together, reflecting the spirit of community at the heart of BBYO.
vibrant. For many BBYO teens, that feeling doesn’ t happen just once a year. It happens whenever Jewish friends gather to share traditions and lift their voices in celebration.
For more information, please contact Zack Tabachnikoff at ztabachnikoff @ bbyo. org.
OCT. 7 commemoration
On October 7, Jewish Charlotte will come together to remember, reflect, and honor the lives forever changed by the attacks of October 7, 2023.
Community members are invited to drop in throughout the day for a quiet space of remembrance and reflection. At 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, we will gather as a community for brief, 30-minute observances featuring reflections, stories, prayers, and candle lighting.
Come to Shalom Park’ s new security lobby for a few moments or stay as long as you need. Together, we will remember those we lost and stand with all who continue to carry the weight of October 7.