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שִׂמְחַת תוֹרָה
Simchat Torah 5787
Rejoicing with the Torah
Simchat Torah ('Rejoicing of the Torah') is the jubilant holiday that marks the completion and immediate restart of the annual Torah reading cycle. Falling immediately after Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret, it is a day of pure, unbridled joy. In synagogue, every Torah scroll is removed from the ark, and the congregation dances with the scrolls in seven joyous circuits called hakafot. The last portion of the Torah (the final chapter of Deuteronomy) is read, and immediately the first portion of Genesis ('In the beginning') is chanted, symbolizing that Torah study is a continuous, never-ending cycle. Two special honors are given: the Chatan Torah (Groom of the Torah), who is called to the final Torah reading, and the Chatan Bereishit (Groom of Genesis), who is called to the first reading. Children wave flags, often topped with apples and candles, and candy is thrown in celebration. The day represents the deep and joyful relationship between the Jewish people and the Torah.
Simchat Torah Traditions
How Jews observe Simchat Torah around the world.
Hakafot: seven joyous circuits of dancing with Torah scrolls around the synagogue
Completing the reading of Deuteronomy and immediately beginning Genesis
Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereishit honors for distinguished community members
Children waving flags (often topped with apples and candles) and marching with the Torah procession
Singing and dancing in the streets; many communities hold outdoor hakafot as well
Throwing candy to children during the Torah procession
All congregants, including children, are called to the Torah for an aliyah
Second hakafot (hakafot shniyot) held the evening after the holiday in many Israeli communities
Simchat Torah Food Guide
Traditional foods and where to find them.
Festive Holiday Meals
Simchat Torah is celebrated with lavish holiday meals featuring challah, roasted meats, chicken, and all the festive trimmings of a Yom Tov dinner. It is the final holiday meal of the long Tishrei season.
Find nearbyCandy and Treats for Children
Candy is thrown to children during the hakafot and Torah procession, making Simchat Torah one of the most beloved holidays for young ones. Bags of sweets, chocolate, and treats are distributed freely.
Find nearbyApples on Sticks
Children traditionally carry flags topped with apples (sometimes hollowed out with a candle inside) during the Simchat Torah celebration. The apples are both a decoration and a treat to be eaten afterward.
Find nearbyKiddush Spread
Generous kiddush spreads with cake, herring, cholent, kugel, and l'chaims (drinks) follow the morning service. The kiddush on Simchat Torah is often the most lavish of the year.
Find nearbyKashrut Notes for Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah is a full Yom Tov; no work is permitted, and it is observed with the same restrictions as Shabbat (with the allowance of cooking for same-day use)
In Israel, Simchat Torah is combined with Shemini Atzeret on a single day (October 11); in the diaspora, Simchat Torah is the second day (October 12)
Wine and grape juice for kiddush must be kosher-certified
Candy distributed to children should be checked for kosher certification, especially imported sweets
The holiday meals follow standard Yom Tov kashrut; many families serve festive meat meals
Find Kosher Food for Simchat Torah
Browse certified kosher restaurants, bakeries, and caterers in your city.
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From Pico-Robertson to the Valley
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The Kosher Capital of America
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Sun, Sand, and Kosher Everything
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Deep Dish Meets Kosher Tradition
Brooklyn
The Heart of American Jewish Life
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America's Fastest-Growing Kosher Hub
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The Modern Orthodox Food Capital
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Star-K Country — A Proud Kosher City
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From Rittenhouse to the Main Line
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Texas-Sized Kosher Scene
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Southern Hospitality Meets Kosher Cuisine
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Kosher in the Heart of Texas
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Kosher by the Coast
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Mile-High Kosher Dining
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Desert Oasis for Kosher Food
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Where Tradition Meets Innovation
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Motor City's Kosher Scene
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Heartland Kosher at Its Best
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Pacific Northwest Kosher
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Gateway to Kosher
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Bay Area Kosher Culture
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The Nation's Kosher Capital
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Kosher Hits the Jackpot
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The Kosher Corridor — Teaneck to Lakewood
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South Florida's Kosher Hub
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Simchat Torah FAQs
Common questions about Simchat Torah 5787.
When is Simchat Torah 2026?
Simchat Torah 2026 is observed on Monday, October 12, in the diaspora (combined with Shemini Atzeret on Sunday, October 11, in Israel). The evening hakafot begin on the night of October 11. The holiday concludes at nightfall on October 12.
What is Simchat Torah?
Simchat Torah, meaning 'Rejoicing of the Torah,' celebrates the completion and restart of the annual Torah reading cycle. Each week throughout the year, a portion of the Torah is read in synagogue. On Simchat Torah, the final portion of Deuteronomy is read, and the first portion of Genesis is immediately begun, demonstrating that Torah study is an unending cycle. The day is marked by joyous dancing with Torah scrolls.
What are hakafot?
Hakafot (circuits) are the joyous processions in which congregants dance with Torah scrolls around the synagogue. Seven hakafot are performed on Simchat Torah, each accompanied by singing and dancing. Every Torah scroll is removed from the ark and carried during the circuits, and everyone, including children, is invited to dance and celebrate.
What is the difference between Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah?
Shemini Atzeret ('the Eighth Day of Assembly') and Simchat Torah are technically two aspects of the same holiday period. In Israel, both are observed on a single day. In the diaspora, Shemini Atzeret is the first day (featuring the Yizkor memorial prayer and the prayer for rain), and Simchat Torah is the second day (featuring the hakafot and Torah completion). Though connected to Sukkot in timing, Shemini Atzeret is halachically a separate holiday.
Why do children carry flags on Simchat Torah?
The tradition of children carrying flags on Simchat Torah dates back several centuries. The flags, often featuring Jewish symbols and topped with an apple or candle, give children a tangible way to participate in the celebration. The custom also reflects the idea that every Jew, no matter how young, has a connection to the Torah. The flags create a festive, parade-like atmosphere in the synagogue.
Can anyone dance with the Torah on Simchat Torah?
Yes. Simchat Torah is unique in that everyone is encouraged to dance with the Torah, regardless of their level of learning or observance. Many synagogues specifically call all congregants to the Torah for an aliyah, an honor usually reserved for a few individuals. It is a day that emphasizes that the Torah belongs to every Jew.
Read more about Simchat Torah
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