Simchat Torah Celebration in Givatay'im

Modern and traditional mix at a Simchat Torah celebration / @ DAVider 2015

Simchat Torah [Wikipedia / HE] is a celebration of the start of reading the Torah. The weekly reading of the Torah in Jewish synagogues starts a new cycle. This event is celebrated all around Israel with dancing and sometimes big musical events. This year, the town of Givatay'im (probably with some influence from a newly elected mayor) put on a big event. At the clearing in front of Givatay'im mall (the main commercial attraction in the town). A "modern Klezmer" band followed a short prayer and a political speech from the mayor.

While Israelis are for the most part secular, Judaism plays a vivid part during the holidays. Simchat Torah is a minor religious holiday. But a public celebration with music and dancing brings out a crowd. While most secular Israelis do not attend synagogue (temple) ceremonies regularly, they understand most religious practices. Combining new music with traditional Klezmer songs is an example of how Judaism in Israel continues to move and adjust with modern life.