Simhat Torah (Simchat Torah)

Simhat Torah (Tishri 23) literally means "rejoicing in the Torah" and represents the culmination of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. It is a joyous celebration which concludes the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible.

During the evening of Simhat Torah, the last chapter of Devarim (Deuteronomy) is read aloud by the Bridegroom of the Law. Afterward, the scrolls of the Torah are removed from the Ark for seven hakafot or processions around the Synagogue. Singing children, and sometimes adults, follow the processional with banners and candles.

The next morning, after another processional, the Bridegroom of the Beginning reads the opening verses of Bereshis (Genesis). This continuous reading of the Torah demonstrates that there is no end to the Torah.

Simhat Torah is celebrated concurrently with Shemini Atzeret by most Reform Jews. Orthodox and Conservative Jews celebrate the holidays separately.