We have two festivals dedicated to the Torah. On Shavuos, we celebrate the giving of the Torah and our acceptance of it. On Simchas Torah, we joyfully express our gratitude to Hashem as we conclude the annual Torah reading. We may wonder at the need to have two festivals. Would it not have been more appropriate to celebrate Simchas Torah on Shavuos, the day we received the Torah? Horav Simcha Zissel Broide, Shlita, distinguishes between two forms of gifts. A gift is valued commensurate with its worth and significance, as well as the stature and eminence of the one who gives the gift. For example, a simple inexpensive gift becomes greatly enhanced if it is presented by the king.
For receiving the Torah, Klal Yisrael is indebted to Hashem for two distinct acts of grace. They owe gratitude for the nature of the gift — the Torah. They also must acknowledge the Benefactor, the source of the gift. When we pay tribute to Hashem for the greatest gift, the Torah, we give thanks for the gift of Torah. We also recognize Who it was that gave us the Torah — Hashem Yisborach.
These two individual festivals were ordained in order to facilitate the proper celebration of the receipt of these extraordinary gifts. On Shavuos we thank Hashem for the gift of Torah. We express our appreciation for availing us of a remarkable gift which is our code of living and heritage. We must also recognize that this special gift is bequeathed to us from Hashem Himself. The joy inherent in this realization is overflowing. It cannot be contained in “one day” or “one festival.” Consequently, we are blessed with another opportunity to express our joy at having received the Torah from Hashem. Simchas Torah is that special day of communion with Hashem, on which we conclude and immediately recommence the Torah reading. It is a time when a plethora of ecstasy is manifest in our jubilant expression of gratitude to Hashem. How fortunate are those who not only acknowledge the gift, but also recognize the benefactor. By doing so they hold the gift in higher esteem.
