On Simchas Torah we rejoice as we appreciate our wonderful Torah.

 

Our Sages tell us (Shabbos 88b) that when Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses), was up on Har Sinai (Mount Sinai), receiving the Torah from Hashem (G-d), the Angels were in an uproar. They complained Hashem should give them the Torah, not the Children of Israel.

 

"Master of the Universe, why give the holy Torah to human beings who are sinful, deceitful and frail," the Angels argued, "Give the Torah to us. We Angels are perfect and obedient. We sing songs in praise of You every day. We follow your bidding to perfection. We are far superior to mere mortals both in strength and in knowledge. We understand secrets that would boggle the mind of man."

 

They were so aggressive in their demeanor, Moshe was afraid they were going to kill him. Moshe clung to the Kisei Hakavod (G-d's Heavenly Throne) for dear life.

 

Hashem said, "Moshe, do not be afraid. Answer the angels."

 

Moshe gathered up his courage and responded," Angels, the Torah say 'Honor your father and mother.' Do Angels have parents to honor?"

 

They had no choice but to reply, "No."

 

Moshe continued, "Angels, the Torah says, 'Thou shalt not steal.' Would an Angel ever steal?"

 

"No."

 

"Angels, the Torah says not to eat unkosher food. Does an Angel even eat?"

 

Again the Angels had to admit, "No."

 

"You are right," Moshe explained, "Angels are more perfect than humans, but it is our frailty that makes us need the Torah. We have parents whom we tend to neglect, unkosher food that we are tempted to eat, money that we are blinded by. Every day in the life of a human is filled with temptations and opportunities to sin. The Torah is the medicine that will help us live our lives with purity. It will enable us acheive greatness."

 

"You see Angels," concluded Moshe, "It is because of our many imperfections that we SHOULD receive the Torah."

 

Hashem then gave the Torah to the Children of Israel and the Angels did not complain.

 

The Torah is our life and the length of our days. May we dance with joy as we realize what a special and precious gift we have - The Torah.