📖 Simchat Torah Countdown
October 4, 2026
About Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah (Rejoicing with the Torah) is one of the most joyful celebrations in the Jewish calendar, marking the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the immediate beginning of the new one. The Torah — the Five Books of Moses — is divided into 54 weekly portions (parashiyot) that are read consecutively throughout the year, one per week. On Simchat Torah, the final portion of Deuteronomy is read and then, without a pause, the cycle begins again with the opening verses of Genesis. This continuous cycle embodies the Jewish concept that Torah study is never finished — the moment one cycle ends, the next begins.
Simchat Torah Celebrations
Simchat Torah is celebrated with unusually festive synagogue services featuring hakafot — joyful processions in which all the Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and carried around the synagogue (usually seven circuits), with singing and dancing. Children wave flags, receive sweets, and often receive all-of-Israel blessings under a tallit spread like a canopy. The atmosphere is genuinely festive and joyous — adults and children dance together with the scrolls. In many communities, hakafot extend outside the synagogue into the streets. In Israel, outdoor hakafot in public squares attract large crowds and are major community celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Simchat Torah?
Simchat Torah is celebrated on the 23rd of Tishrei, immediately following Shemini Atzeret. Outside Israel, it falls on the day after Shemini Atzeret (the 9th day of Sukkot observance).
What are hakafot?
Hakafot are joyful processions in which Torah scrolls are carried around the synagogue, usually seven times. Congregants dance and sing with the scrolls, celebrating their love of Torah.