Simchat Torah: September 30-October 2, 2018
Following theseven joyous days of Sukkot, we come to the happy holiday of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.
In the diaspora, the first day is known by its biblical name, Shemini Atzeret. We still dwell in the sukkah, but without a blessing.Yizkor, the memorial for the departed, is also said on this day.
The second day is known as Simchat Torah, during which we complete and immediately begin the annual Torah reading cycle. This joyous milestone is marked with dancing, traditionally following seven circuits known ashakafot, as the Torah scrolls are held aloft.
Both days are celebrated by nightly candle lighting, festive meals at both night and day, anddesisting from work. In Israel, the entire holiday is compacted into one heady 24-hour period.
HOLIDAY TIMES
WHAT IS SIMCHAT TORAH?
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SIMCHAT TORAH
Guide
What Is Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah?
Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Calendar
How to Celebrate Shemini Atzeret
How to Celebrate Simchat Torah
View All 9
Study
In a Nutshell
Insights & Essays
Readings
Torah Reading
From Our Library
Stories
A Crown of Slippers
Hakafot in Liozna
"This Is My Torah Scroll"
Dancing With the Torah
View All 14
Recipes
Challah
Appetizers
Salads
Soups
View All 9
Audio/Video
A Fiery Law
Celebrating Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah Thought
A Time To Rejoice
View All 10
Kids
Guide
Crafts & Coloring Pages
Recipes
Stories
Simchat Torah Videos
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4689/jewish/Shemini-Atzeret-Simchat-Torah.htm
Following theseven joyous days of Sukkot, we come to the happy holiday of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.
In the diaspora, the first day is known by its biblical name, Shemini Atzeret. We still dwell in the sukkah, but without a blessing.Yizkor, the memorial for the departed, is also said on this day.
The second day is known as Simchat Torah, during which we complete and immediately begin the annual Torah reading cycle. This joyous milestone is marked with dancing, traditionally following seven circuits known ashakafot, as the Torah scrolls are held aloft.
Both days are celebrated by nightly candle lighting, festive meals at both night and day, anddesisting from work. In Israel, the entire holiday is compacted into one heady 24-hour period.
HOLIDAY TIMES
WHAT IS SIMCHAT TORAH?
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SIMCHAT TORAH
Guide
What Is Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah?
Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Calendar
How to Celebrate Shemini Atzeret
How to Celebrate Simchat Torah
View All 9
Study
In a Nutshell
Insights & Essays
Readings
Torah Reading
From Our Library
Stories
A Crown of Slippers
Hakafot in Liozna
"This Is My Torah Scroll"
Dancing With the Torah
View All 14
Recipes
Challah
Appetizers
Salads
Soups
View All 9
Audio/Video
A Fiery Law
Celebrating Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah Thought
A Time To Rejoice
View All 10
Kids
Guide
Crafts & Coloring Pages
Recipes
Stories
Simchat Torah Videos
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4689/jewish/Shemini-Atzeret-Simchat-Torah.htm