Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of the Torah) is the celebration of the yearly completion of the reading of the Torah.
The Torah tells us the history of our people and teaches us how we should live and be good human beings.
It is a happy, fun holiday that is celebrated on the last day of the holiday period. (In Israel, it falls on the same day as Shemini Atzeret).
The Reading of the Torah
The Torah gives us rules and laws we should follow, such as don't steal, don't kill, and honor your parents. All of this is contained in five books, called the Five Books of Moses.
The Torah is kept in the synagogue in a special cabinet called an ark (aron kodesh).
The Torah scroll contains many stories that we read throughout the year. It takes a year to read the entire Torah - we read it three times a week, on Shabbat (Saturday), and Monday and Thursday mornings.
Click here to learn more about the Torah Scrolls.
How We Celebrate Simchat Torah:
The "Hakafot" Ceremony
Finishing the Torah is a happy occasion which calls for great celebration.
When the holiday starts in the evening, it is highlighted by a really special celebration. We take all the Torah scrolls out of the ark (this is the only time of the year that we take them all out), and parade around the synagogue with them seven times. This joyous celebration is called the "Hakafot" Ceremony.
During this ceremony, we sing songs and wave special Simchat Torah flags. Some flags are even topped with apples! At the end of the parade, we eat apples and other sweet foods. Make sure you get to your synagogue to join in the celebration - it's a really exciting holiday.
Click here to find out how to make candied or caramel apples.
"Kol Hanearim"
Here's your turn to have your own role in the festivities! In the morning, we read the last section
of the Torah (we finish the fifth book, called Devarim.)
At the end of the reading of Devarim, all kids are invited up to the Torah reading desk for a ceremony called "Kol Hanearim" ("all the kids").
During this ceremony, tallitot are held over the heads of all kids, while blessings are said over both the Torah and kids. Afterwards, we start reading from the beginning of the Torah again, as a reminder that the reading of the Torah is a never-ending process.
