S I M C H A T   T O R A H   P L U S Hoshanah Rabbah The seventh day of Sukkot is called Hoshanah Rabbah (The Great Hoshanah). The name is taken from the word hoshanah ("please, save") frequently said in the prayers of the day, and reminiscent of the Temple service. Prayers for sustenance are recited and five aravot (willow branches) are beaten on the ground. The mystical meanings of this is hidden to all but a few. In the synagogue seven circuits (hakaffot) are conducted around the prayer-stand with the lulav and etrog in hand as these prayers are chanted. In post-talmudic times, this day has become a "supplement" of Yom Kippur since God's decrees for the coming year are finalized on this day. So, some have the custom of spending the night of Hoshanah Rabbah in prayer and study. Shemini Atzeret Although called the "Eighth Day of Solemn Assembly" - giving rise to the notion of this holiday being the continuation of the seven days of Sukkot - Shemini Atzeret was regarded by the rabbis as a festival in its own right. Included in the special prayers is the Prayer for Rain. As its name implies, Atzeret ("Assembly"), was also the time when the populace gathered, once in seven years, for a public reading of the Law. In Israel, the day is combined with Simchat Torah, the Day of Rejoicing with the Torah. Simchat Torah The last day of the holiday period is Simchat Torah (which in Israel coincides with Shemini Atzeret). On this day, the annual reading of the Sefer Torah in the synagogue is concluded. Over the years, a number of ceremonies have grown up around the day. A new cycle of reading is begun as soon as the old cycle is concluded (symbolizing the eternity of the Torah). The person called up for the last portion of the Torah is called the Chatan Torah - Bridegroom of the Torah; likewise, the person called up for beginning of the new cycle is called the Chatan Bereishit - Bridegroom of Bereishit, after the Hebrew name of the first Book of the Torah. These people are usually distinguished and meritorious members of the community. During the evening and morning prayers of the festival, all the Torah scrolls are taken out the ark, amidst much pomp and ceremony. The scrolls are carried in procession while songs of praise are sung, followed by much dancing. During the morning service, all the congregants are called up to the Law, and even the young children make a collective blessing on the Torah. For more on Simchat Torah - Check out VJ's Simchat Torah mini site!