The first day is referred to as "Shemini Atzeret" and the second day as "Simchat Torah", although both days are officially Shemini Atzeret according to Halakha, and this is reflected in the liturgy. In Orthodox and Conservative communities outside Israel, Shemini Atzeret is a two-day holiday and the Simchat Torah festivities are observed on the second day. On the Hebrew calendar, the seven-day holiday of Sukkot in the autumn (late mid-September to late mid-October) is immediately followed by the holiday of Shemini Atzeret. There is also a special aliyah for all the children. The morning service is also uniquely characterized by the calling up of each member of the congregation for an aliyah. On each occasion, when the ark is opened, the worshippers leave their seats to dance and sing with the Torah scrolls in a joyous celebration that can last for several hours. In the morning, the last parashah of Deuteronomy and the first parashah of Genesis are read in the synagogue. In many Orthodox as well as many Conservative congregations, this is the only time of year on which the Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark and read at night. The main celebrations of Simchat Torah take place in the synagogue during evening and morning services. Simchat Torah is a component of the Biblical Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret ("Eighth Day of Assembly"), which follows immediately after the festival of Sukkot in the month of Tishrei (occurring in mid-September to early October on the Gregorian calendar). Simchat Torah or Simhat Torah ( Hebrew: שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה, lit., "Rejoicing with/of the Torah", Ashkenazi: Simchas Torah) is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. Then first Parsha from Genesis is read.ĭancing in synagogue as all the Torah scrolls are carried around in seven circuits ( hakafot) melakha (work) is prohibitedĢ2nd (outside of Israel 23rd) day of Tishrei Final Parsha from Deuteronomy is read in synagogue. Conclusion of the annual Torah reading cycle. The culmination of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. Translation: "Rejoicing with/of the Torah" The Feast of the Rejoicing of the Law at the Synagogue in Leghorn, Italy by Solomon Hart, 1850 ( Jewish Museum)
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