Simhat Torah

A Jewish congregation celebrates Simhat Torah (Simchat Tora, Simhath Torah, Simkhes Toreh, Rejoicing with of the Torah) is a celebration marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. The main celebration of Simchat Torah takes place in the synagogue during evening and morning services. In many Orthodox and Conservative congregations, this is the only time of year on which the Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark and read at night. In the morning, the last parashah of Deuteronomy and the first parashah of Genesis are read in the synagogue. On each occasion, when the ark is opened, all the worshippers leave their seats to dance and sing with all the Torah scrolls in a joyous celebration that often lasts for several hours and more. The morning service is also uniquely characterized by the calling up of each male member (in non-Orthodox congregations, male and female members) of the congregation for an aliyah, as well as a special aliyah for all the children in attendance. No date or location given

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

Congregation Enhancement Judaism Orthodox Readings Scrolls Synagogue Torah

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > PHR