Review 1
Ritual
Symbol
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah · Rejoicing of the Torah
The joyous completion of the Torah reading cycle and its immediate new beginning.
Tip: hover (or tap) any underlined word for a quick definition.
1
The basics
Name, translation, date and length — the facts to have by heart.
Name and timing
- Hebrew name
- Simchat Torah
- English translation
- Rejoicing of the Torah
- Date / timing
- Immediately after Shemini Atzeret
- Length
- 1 day
- Historical reason
- Marks the completion and renewal of the annual Torah reading cycle.
2
Meaning and story
Why this exists, what happened, and the values it carries.
What it means
- Simchat Torah means the Joy or Rejoicing of the Torah.
- We finish the annual Torah reading and immediately begin Genesis again.
Story and history
- The final verses of Deuteronomy are read and the opening of B'reishit follows at once.
Major themes and values
- Joy in Torah
- Continuous, never-ending learning
- Community celebration
3
Practice
Rituals, symbols, prayers and foods — and the reason behind each.
Rituals and observances
- Reading the last chapters of the Torah and then immediately starting all over again with the first chapter.
- — circling around the synagogue seven times with the scrolls, the same seven circuits as a bride around the groom.
- Dancing with the Torah scrolls, and a big festive meal.
- Honoring the (the one who completes the Torah) and the B'reishit (the one who begins it again).
Why we do these rituals
- Beginning Genesis the moment Deuteronomy ends teaches that Torah learning never finishes.
- Dancing with the scroll expresses joy in Torah with the whole body, not only the mind.
Symbols and what they mean
- Hakafot
- Seven circuits with the Torah; joy carried around the community.
- Chatan Torah / Chatan B'reishit
- Ending and beginning honored together — Torah study is continuous.
Important prayers and readings
- Torah reading of the end of Deuteronomy and the beginning of Genesis
Foods
- Festive meals and celebration
4
Words to know
The Hebrew vocabulary for this topic.
Vocabulary
- Hakafot
- The seven circuits with the Torah scrolls.
- Chatan Torah
- The honoree who completes the Torah reading.
- Chatan B'reishit
- The honoree who begins Genesis again.
5
Beth Din prep
Answer these out loud before you sit down with the rabbis.
What I should be able to explain to the Beth Din
- 1Why we begin Genesis immediately after finishing Deuteronomy.
- 2What are and how many circuits there are.