Simchat Torah
We thank You, our God and God of our fathers,that You have given us this book of the law. As we complete its reading and begin it anew each year,may we grow in wisdom and understanding, in truth and goodness. Amen.
The final day of Sukkot is known as Simchat Torah—Rejoicing in the Torah (or Law). This holiday does not remember a great hero or the gaining of freedom; it is not a nature festival. It is dedicated to a book—the Torah.
Every Shabbat of the year, from one Simchat Torah to the next, the Torah is read aloud from beginning to end in the synagogue. The Torah is divided into 54 portions, or chapters, from the first Book of Genesis to the Book of Deuteronomy. On Simchat Torah, the last portion or chapter is read, as is the first chapter of Genesis. Thus the cycle of Torah reading is an eternal circle, without beginning or end. Simchat Torah marks the completion of the reading of the five books of the Torah—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. (Look here to find this weeks' Torah portion.)
Practice and Customs
In the synagogue, Simchat Torah is celebrated with great merriment. On this festive occasion, all the Torahs are taken out of the Ark and the Hakafot (procession or parade) begins.
Children and adults alike join in the procession, carrying special holiday flags topped with apples. The Torahs are carried around the synagogue seven times as the participants wave their flags and sing holiday songs.
On this occasion, all the children, even the youngest, are given the honor of being called to the Torah. They congregate around the reading desk on the bimeh (alter) where the Torah is read and, all together, recite the blessing over the Torah.
With the setting of the sun, Simchat Torah comes to a close, ending the High Holy Days season.
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Blessing for the Torah Havu Godel L'Eloheynu Ut'nu Kavod Latorah. Let us declare the greatness of our God and render honor to the Torah. Baruch shenatan Torah Le'a-mo Yisrael Bik'dushato. Praised be He who in His holiness has given the Torah to His people Israel. |
Songs to Honor the Torah
Blessed is the Lord who gave us the Torah. Blessed is the Lord who gave us the Torah. Blessed is the Lord who gave us the Torah. Torah, Torah, Torah. Once again, once again Say it, Torah Once again, once again Say it Torah Blessed is the Lord who gave us the Torah. Torah, Torah, Torah.
Resources
- The Jewish Holidays: A Guide & Commentary by Michael Strassfeld
- The Book of the Jewish Year by Stephen M. Wylen
- The First Jewish Catalog by Richard Siegel et al., editors