Simchat Torah

A joyous Jewish celebration marking the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the immediate beginning of a new cycle, demonstrating that Torah study is eternal and never-ending.

The Name

Simchat Torah (שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה) means “Rejoicing in/with the Torah”—expressing the joy of completing the yearly reading and the privilege of beginning again.

Historical Development

Origins

While the Torah itself does not command this festival, it developed organically from Jewish devotion to Scripture:

Early Development (9th-10th centuries):

• Custom of completing annual Torah reading emerged in Babylonia
• Originally less formally structured
• Gradually developed distinct celebratory character

Medieval Formalization:

• Hakafot (processional circuits) became standard practice
• Dancing with Torah scrolls became widespread
• Special honors and customs codified

Modern Era:

• Now one of the most joyous celebrations in Jewish calendar
• Known for exuberant singing, dancing, and celebration

Relationship to Shemini Atzeret

In Israel and among Reform Jews: Simchat Torah occurs on Tishri 22, combined with Shemini Atzeret

In the Diaspora: Simchat Torah is observed on Tishri 23, the second day of Shemini Atzeret

This division arose from ancient uncertainty about the lunar calendar, leading to two-day observances in the diaspora.

The Annual Torah Reading Cycle

Judaism has an annual cycle of reading the entire Torah (Five Books of Moses) in weekly portions:

The Cycle:

• Begins with Genesis 1 (Creation)
• Concludes with Deuteronomy 34 (Moses’s death)
• Immediately restarts—demonstrating Torah study never ends

Simchat Torah Readings:

• Last portion (Deuteronomy 33-34): Moses’s blessing and death
• First portion (Genesis 1:1-2:3): Creation
• Prophetic reading (Joshua 1): Continuing the narrative after Moses

The juxtaposition shows the eternal nature of God’s word: one cycle ends, another immediately begins.

Hakafot: The Processional Circuits

The central ritual is hakafot (הקפות), seven joyous processions circling the synagogue with Torah scrolls.

The Practice:

• All Torah scrolls are removed from the ark
• Congregants take turns carrying scrolls
• Seven circuits around the synagogue (or outdoors in good weather)
• Singing and dancing accompany each circuit
• Children join the procession with flags and toy Torahs

Significance:

• Demonstrates love for Torah—not just study but celebration
• Physical engagement with sacred text
• Community participation across all ages
• Seven circuits echo biblical patterns (Jericho, etc.)

Songs: Traditional and contemporary songs praising God and Torah, including:

• “Ata Horeita” (You have been shown)
• “Sisu ve-Simchu” (Rejoice and be glad)

Special Honors

Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereishit

Two special honorees are designated:

Chatan Torah (חתן תורה, “Bridegroom of the Torah”):

• Called to read the final portion (Deuteronomy 33-34)
• Honor of completing the yearly cycle
• Often a respected community member

Chatan Bereishit (חתן בראשית, “Bridegroom of Genesis”):

• Called to read the opening portion (Genesis 1)
• Honor of beginning the new cycle
• Symbolizes continuity of learning

These titles reflect the intimacy between Israel and Torah, like a wedding celebration.

Kol HaNe’arim (All the Children)

A special aliyah where all children are called to the Torah together, blessed under a large tallit (prayer shawl), emphasizing continuity and future generations.

Celebration and Joy

Simchat Torah is characterized by unbounded joy:

Dancing: Often continues for hours, with circles of dancers holding hands Singing: Loud, enthusiastic singing fills the synagogue Children: Given flags, candy, and prominent roles No restraint: Even typically reserved communities dance and celebrate Food and drink: Festive meals and drinks (including alcohol in moderation)

The Talmud says: “There is no joy without wine”—and on Simchat Torah, the usual formality gives way to exuberant celebration.

Theological Significance

Torah as Eternal Gift

The immediate restart of the cycle demonstrates that Torah study is never complete—there is always more to learn, deeper meanings to discover.

Joy in Commandments

Unlike portrayals of law as burdensome, Simchat Torah celebrates the Torah as a source of joy, life, and connection to God.

Covenant Renewal

Completing and restarting the cycle annually renews the covenant relationship—recommitting to God’s instruction year after year.

Community and Continuity

Involving children and honoring community members affirms the transmission of faith across generations.

Modern Observance

In the Synagogue

Evening Service (night before):

• Major hakafot with dancing and singing
• Often the liveliest service of the year

Morning Service:

• Additional hakafot
• Multiple Torah readings with everyone receiving an aliyah
• Special blessings for honorees

Variations by Community

Orthodox and Conservative: Full traditional observance with extensive hakafot

Reform: Often combined with Shemini Atzeret on Tishri 22

Secular/Cultural: Even non-religious Jews often participate in Simchat Torah celebrations

Public Celebrations

In Israel and some diaspora communities, dancing spills into the streets, creating massive public celebrations.

Significance

Simchat Torah embodies Judaism’s relationship with Scripture—not as a burden but as a treasured gift. The Torah is not a book to be completed and shelved, but a living word to be engaged eternally. By dancing with Torah scrolls, Jews physically express their love for God’s instruction. The immediate transition from ending to beginning declares that Torah study is infinite, each cycle revealing new depths and insights.

On this day, formality gives way to joy, reserve yields to dancing, and the entire community—young and old, learned and simple—celebrates together the privilege of possessing God’s word. It is a powerful statement: the Torah is not just studied but beloved, not just respected but rejoiced in. As the cycle completes and begins anew, Israel recommits to the covenant, generation after generation, in an endless dance with the Divine.