Simchat Torah in San Jose | Chabad of Silicon Valley

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When to come

Hoshana Raba

Friday, October 22

Friday night services	6:30 PM

Shmini Atzeret

Saturday, October 23

Shabbat morning services	10:00 AM

Get ready for the dancing

366 days to go

There is nothing to learn first. A few things make the night easier.

Bring the children. It is built for them.
Wear shoes you can dance in.
Light candles before the holiday begins. On the second night, light after nightfall from a flame already burning. Times
Send in names for Yizkor, which is said on Shmini Atzeret. Yizkor
Ask for a place at a holiday table if you need one. Hospitality
Read what hakafot are and why we dance. Simchat Torah guide

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Tell us you are coming to the hakafot

Tell us how many adults and children are coming and which night. We will reply with the details once they are set.

Questions people ask

What happens at Simchat Torah?

The Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark and carried around the synagogue in seven circuits, called hakafot, while everybody dances with them. It goes on for as long as it goes on. It is the least formal service of the Jewish year and the easiest one to walk into knowing nothing.

Is it suitable for children?

It is arguably built for them. Children are lifted onto shoulders, given flags, and called up to the Torah together under a tallit. If you are bringing children for one Jewish holiday in the year, bring them for this one.

What is Shmini Atzeret and how is it different?

Shmini Atzeret is the day before — quieter, with Yizkor said in the morning and the prayer for rain. Simchat Torah follows it. In Israel the two are one day; outside Israel they are two.

Do I need to know the dances or the songs?

No. There are no steps. People hold hands and move in a circle, and the tunes repeat until everyone has them. Standing at the edge and watching is also a completely normal way to spend the evening.