Simchat Torah: Wednesday, Oct. 21, to Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Perhaps no other holiday symbolizes the continuity of Jewish life and learning like Simchat Torah.  This holiday is not mentioned in the Bible but was developed well after Biblical times.  At the synagogue service, the last section of the Torah is read, and immediately, the first part is begun. This simple ritual carries a powerful message: the reading and study of Torah must never end.

The traditional Jewish calendar followed by Orthodox and Conservative Jews outside of the land of Israel observes the period between Sukkot and Simchat Torah as a nine-day holiday.  The Reform calendar followed outside of Israel celebrates Sukkot to Simchat Torah as an eight-day holiday, with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah celebrated together on the eighth day.  In both cases, synagogue services for Simchat Torah may take place both in the evening and morning of the holiday.  During services the synagogue is filled with joy as the Torahs are carried throughout the congregation for everyone to touch and kiss.  Children may march around the synagogue waving flags.  At some synagogues people dance with the Torahs, and the celebration even overflows into the street.

Activities for Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah

 Attend services for Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah.  Contact local synagogues, community organizations, and colleges to find out about the times and location of services.  Unlike Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, tickets of admission are not required.

 Help build and decorate a sukkah.  Local synagogues, community organizations, and colleges may have sukkahs.  Once the sukkah has been built, put the finishing touches on it by adding fruit, vegetables, and original art work.  The use of artificial fruit and vegetables is acceptable.

 Purchase a set of lulav and etrog.  These may be purchased at local Judaica stories.  Bring them to synagogue with you or recite the blessings at home.

 Plan and prepare festive meals for family and friends.  Recite the appropriate blessings.

 Invite guests into your sukkah.  Also invite some “honorary” guests from Jewish history.

 It is customary to give tzedakah contributions before a Jewish holiday.  Tzedakah may be in the form of money or time volunteered for a good cause.  Give tzedakah in a way that relates to the meaning of Sukkot.  Consider contributing to organizations that feed the hungry or build housing for those in need.

 Help plan and participate in music and dancing for Simchat Torah.  You may wish to perform live music or contribute recorded music to the celebration.

 Visit elderly Jewish residents in nursing homes around Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah.  Your visit may be especially meaningful to people who do not have many visitors.  Ask people about how they observed the holidays when they were children.  Helping them reminisce can give you both a lot of joy.

 Visit Jewish patients in hospitals around the time of the holidays.  Your presence will help give them a sense of connection to the community, especially if they are unable to attend services.  Bring a set of lulav and etrog if you have them and help people recite the blessings.