“Shma Yisrael”
inside the Kingdom of Night
Elie Wiesel

In one of the barracks, several hundred Jews gathered to celebrate “Simchat- Torah.” In the shadow of shadows?

Yes -even there. On the threshold of the death-chambers? But there was no Sefer-Torah. So how could they organize the ritual “Hakafot,” the traditional procession with the sacred scrolls? As they were trying to solve the problem, an old man - the word had no meaning there - an old man noticed a young boy - who was so old, so old - standing there looking on and dreaming. “Do you remember what you learned?” asked the old man. “Yes, I do,” replied the young boy. “Really?” said the old man, “you really remember Shma Yisrael?” “I remember much more,” said the young boy. “Shma Yisrael is enough,” said the old man. And he lifted the boy from the ground and began dancing with him - as though he were the Torah. And all joined in, they all sang and danced and cried. They cried but they sang with fervor - never before had Jews celebrated Simchat-Torah with such fervor.