Our website wholeheartedly congratulates all its readers on the upcoming holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, which conclude the series of Tishrei holidays and open the new annual cycle of studying the Holy Torah.
This evening, October 13th, the holiday of Shemini Atzeret begins; tomorrow evening, October 14th – Simchat Torah begins (in Israel, they are celebrated on the same day). The same restrictions that apply to all days of “Yom Tov” status apply to these two days. The appropriate blessings are recited when lighting candles. On Shemini Atzeret, we still eat in the sukkah, but we do not recite the blessing for dwelling in the sukkah. During the morning prayer on Shemini Atzeret, Yizkor – the memorial prayer – is recited.
On the evening of Shemini Atzeret, as well as on the evening and morning of Simchat Torah, synagogues hold Hakafot: a solemn procession with the Torah scrolls around the bimah – the platform in the center of the synagogue where the Torah is read. Hakafot are accompanied by dancing and universal rejoicing, through which Jews express their faith in the Almighty and their love for the Creator.
On the day of Simchat Torah, concluding the annual cycle of Torah reading, the final portion is read, and to emphasize the continuity and eternity of the Torah, its reading is immediately started again from the very beginning, from the very first words. On Simchat Torah, it is customary to call all men without exception to the Torah reading, even the youngest boys.
It is very important to be with the entire community in the synagogue, to rejoice and dance with the Torah Scrolls.
Hakafot for Shemini Atzeret – on Monday at 7:30 PM.
Hakafot for Simchat Torah – on Tuesday at 7:30 PM and on Wednesday at 11:30 AM!
Everyone to the synagogue – for the holiday!
Chag Sameach!
