Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday that follows the holiday of Sukkot and marks the completion of the yearly Torah readings. Festivities include walking in circles around the synagogue while holding Torah scrolls, chanting and praying.

Fast Facts

1. Literal Meaning: Rejoicing With The Torah
2. Outside Israel, practiced as the second day of Shemini Atzeret
3. Inaugurated during the Jews' exile in Babel
4. Torah reading is renewed during the holiday, starting with the Book of Genesis
5. Some congregations allow dancing during the celebration¹
6. Public auctions may be held to sell the right of the last and first readings¹
7. All members of the community, including children and the elderly, are allowed and encouraged to hold and carry a Torah scroll¹

Background and Significance

According to Jewish tradition, the Pentateuch is divided into 52 parts, the parashot, a part for each week of the year. Throughout the year, observing Jews study and read only the designated parts. On the day of Simchat Torah, the last and the first parashot are being publicly read to announce the conclusion and the beginning of another annual cycle. Simchat Torah signifies the rejuvenation and continuation of Jewish identity and tradition, inside as well as outside Israel.¹

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