Jewish Holidays

When does Simchat Torah occur?  View the Calendar of Jewish Holidays

Simchat Torah, Hebrew for "rejoicing in the Law", celebrates the completion of the annual reading of the Torah. Simchat Torah is a joyous festival, in which we affirm our view of the Torah as a tree of life and demonstrate a living example of never-ending, lifelong study. Torah scrolls are taken from the ark and carried or danced around the synagogue seven times. During the Torah service, the concluding section of Deuteronomy is read, and immediately following, the opening section of Genesis, or B'reishit as it is called in Hebrew, is read.

Congregational & Organizational Websites  
For Kids  
Holiday Happenings: Early Childhood
This newsletter for parents and teachers of young children supplies age-appropriate teachings and crafts.
The Jewish Parent Page
This newsletter provides information and activities for adults to share with kids about Sukkot and Simchat Torah.
Family Activity
Temple Emanu-El of New York City shares recipes and holiday vocabulary for parents and kids.
Geshem (Rain) Globe Craft Project
This fun kids craft teaches kids about the connection between Sukkot and rain as well as a decoration for the sukkah.
Simchat Torah: A Family Celebration With Consecration Service
A Simchat Torah prayer book for young families. Blessings and songs introduce Hakafot (Torah processions) and Torah readings.
Articles & Adult Study  
10 Minutes of Torah—Gallilee Diary: Beginning Again
Read about the celebration of Simchat Torah in Israel.
10 Minutes of Torah—Jewish Ethics
"Great is the Torah." Simchat Torah focuses our attention on our relationship to Torah and study.
10 Minutes of Torah—Torah Study
Look into the sacred scroll and find yourself there inscribed, this Simchat Torah and every day.
10 Minutes of Torah—Torah Without Story, Judaism Without Jews
Leonard Fein finds a home in liberal Judaism during one Simchat Torah celebration, and seeks a celebration for Jewish stories from more modern times.
Inside Leadership
Use Simchat Torah as an opportunity for the Board to appraise its past performance and prepare for the future.
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