Simchat Torah
Joyous celebration of completing and restarting the annual Torah reading cycle.
Simchat Torah falls on 23 Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar outside Israel and on 22 Tishrei in Israel, where it coincides with Shemini Atzeret. It usually lands in late September or October, right after Sukkot.
When Is Simchat Torah?
Simchat Torah falls on 23 Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar outside Israel and on 22 Tishrei in Israel, where it coincides with Shemini Atzeret. It usually lands in late September or October, right after Sukkot.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the immediate beginning of the new cycle. One of the most joyous days in the Jewish calendar, expressing love for the Torah as the greatest gift to the Jewish people.
How It Is Observed
Hakafot, seven joyful processions around the synagogue carrying the Torah scrolls, singing and dancing with the scrolls, children carry flags, all adults are called to the Torah.
Sacred Text
“No prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.”
, Deuteronomy 34:10 ↗