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>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</div>
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<p><strong><strong>Q. Why is it permitted to dance and clap on <em>Simchas Torah</em>, when these activities are prohibited on an ordinary
<em>Yom Tov</em>?</strong></strong></p>
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<p>A. Chazal prohibited dancing and clapping on Shabbos and <em>Yom Tov</em> for fear that these activities may lead to fashioning musical instruments. (Shulchan Aruch OC 339:3) On
<em>Simchas Torah</em>, Chazal waived the prohibition in order to increase the honor of the
<em>Torah</em> (Magen Avraham 339:1; Mishnah Berurah 339:8 and 669:5). An alternative reason presented by Aruch HaShulchan (OC 339:8,9) is that our mode of dancing and clapping are not forbidden because they do not lead to fashioning a musical instrument.</p>
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