Shmini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

The holiday of joy — dancing for all ages, and a little l’chaim.

Simchat Torah celebrates finishing the annual cycle of Torah readings and immediately starting again from the beginning. The Torah scrolls are carried and danced with in joyful circuits (hakafot) — no experience or grace required, just showing up.

Shmini Atzeret, the day before, is its own distinct holiday and includes Yizkor, the memorial service.