Sukkot, the holiday of tents

ABOUT THE CELEBRATION

Simchat Torah, the joyous celebration of the Torah, marks the end of the annual cycle of Torah reading and the beginning of a new one. The holiday symbolizes the continuity and never-ending nature of Torah reading. It is celebrated the day after Sukkot, on the 22nd of Tishrei in Israel, and on the 23rd elsewhere.

The day before Simchat Torah, Shmini Atzeret is celebrated, which means "the eighth day of assembly" or the day of rest. In Israel, this day marks the beginning of the rainy season, so it is customary to pray for the first rain of the year at this time.

SEVERAL HAPPY RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES, LOTS OF SINGING AND DANCING ACCOMPANY THIS JOYFUL HOLIDAY. HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF SYNAGOGUE CUSTOMS

Hakafot (circuits)

The most colorful custom of the holiday is the synagogue procession, when all the Torah scrolls are taken out of the Torah ark and carried around the synagogue seven times while singing and dancing. Everyone is honored by being allowed to carry the Torah, and children participate in the procession waving flags.

Candy throwing

Children look forward to this part of the celebration the most. During the procession, adults throw candy, and children try to collect as many sweets as possible.

Torah reading

The Torah is divided into 54 sections, which we read over the course of a year. However, Torah study cannot be "completed," as indicated by the fact that when we reach the end of the fifth book of Moses, we immediately begin reading the first one again.

You can learn about sukkot here until the tent is built

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