The conclusion of the series of holidays of the month of Tishrei consists of two holidays that follow one another – Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah. Shmini Atzeres is, as it were, a continuation of the days of Sukkos, yet at the same time it is also a fully separate holiday, and Simchas Torah is perhaps the most joyful day of the Jewish calendar, fully corresponding to its name – “the Rejoicing of the Torah.”
A distinctive feature of both holidays, which this year are celebrated from the evening of Friday, October 2, through the evening of Sunday, October 4, are the Hakafos – dances with Torah scrolls. Participating in the Hakafos is a great honor, a merit, and a blessing.
On the day of Shmini Atzeres, “Yizkor” is recited – the memorial prayer for deceased relatives, which is recited in synagogues only four times a year!
On the holiday of Simchas Torah, the annual cycle of Torah reading is concluded in the synagogues and begun anew. The Shabbos that follows it is named after the first word of the Torah – Shabbos “Bereishis.”
Come and take part in the celebrations!
Schedule of prayers and dancing for Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah at the Central “Golden Rose” Synagogue:
Friday, October 2, Hoshana Rabbah, Eve of Shmini Atzeres
Candle-Lighting in Honor of the Holiday – 5:59 PM
Minchah – 6:00 PM
Maariv – 6:40 PM
Kiddush in the Sukkah – 7:00 PM
HAKAFOS – Dancing with the Torah – 7:45 PM
Saturday, October 3, Shmini Atzeres
Shacharis – 10:00 AM
Yizkor – 11:30 AM
Kiddush in the Sukkah – 12:15 PM
Minchah – 6:00 PM
Festive Evening Prayer Maariv – 6:50 PM
Candle-Lighting from Existing Flames – after 6:53 PM
Kiddush in the Synagogue – 7:10 PM
HAKAFOS – Dancing with the Torah – 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 4, Simchas Torah
Shacharis – 10:00 AM
Kiddush in the Synagogue – 10:40 AM
HAKAFOS – Dancing with the Torah – 11:30 AM
Minchah – 5:55 PM
End of Yom Tov / Maariv – 6:51 PM.
