Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret

Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret mark the completion and immediate renewal of the Torah reading cycle. Jews come together in synagogue to mark this joyful moment with song, dance and communal rejoicing.

Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret typically fall in late September or October. These festivals signal both an ending and a beginning: the conclusion of Sukkot and the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle, followed immediately by its renewal.

The Torah, comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is divided into 54 weekly portions, allowing communities to read through its entirety over the course of a year. Simchat Torah marks and honours this cycle in joyful celebration

The traditions of Simchat Torah largely take place within the synagogue and include:

• The practice known as Hakafot. During a special service, Torah scrolls are removed from the Ark and carried in seven circuits around the synagogue. These processions are accompanied by singing, dancing, celebration and the handing out of sweets.
• Reading the final verses of the Torah, D’varim (Deuteronomy), and its opening verses, of B’reishit (Genesis), aloud to symbolise the seamless continuity of Jewish learning and tradition.
• Unfurling the Torah scroll, the whole community joins together to unroll the Torah and return to the very beginning.
• Calling up two individuals for special aliyot; to recite blessings before and after the Torah is publicly read. The one honoured with the final reading is known as the Chatan/Kallat Torah (Bride/Groom of the Torah), while the one who begins Genesis is called the Chatan/Kallat B’reishit (Bride/Groom of Genesis).
• Ensuring that every member of the congregation has the opportunity to be called up for an aliyah, with children often invited for a special group aliyah.

Simchat Torah

Interestingly, Simchat Torah is not mentioned in the Torah itself. Prior to the 12th century the customs associated with reading the Torah differed greatly between communities. Over time, Shemini Atzeret – a much older festival – became the designated day to conclude and recommence the Torah reading cycle. Thus, Simchat Torah evolved as a day of rejoicing in the Torah, giving the festival its name and character.

Today, Simchat Torah is widely regarded as the most joyful celebration in the Jewish calendar. It is a moment of communal pride and spiritual connection, often likened to a symbolic marriage between the Jewish people and the Torah.

Shemini Atzeret

The nature of Shemini Atzeret has long been a subject of discussion. Is it the final day of Sukkot, or a festival in its own right? Tradition offers no definitive answer, and this ambiguity adds to its mystique.

In Israel and in Progressive Jewish communities worldwide, Shemini Atzeret is observed concurrently with Simchat Torah.

Together, they form a day on which we stop our regular activities gathering together with the community to celebrate the Torah.

If you want to experience Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret in a welcoming, inclusive, and egalitarian setting, we’d love to welcome you into one of our Progressive congregations.