Simchat Torah 37 articles

Jewish Holidays

On Simchat Torah we finish the annual Torah reading cycle and begin anew. It’s marked by Hakafot, festive singing and dancing with the Torah

The “Chatanim”: Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereishit
The “Chatanim”: Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereishit
Who are the “Chatanim?” First of all, “Chatanim” is the plural of “Chatan,” which means bridegroom. This word befits the occasion, for the Jewish People on this day is expressing its...
Jun 29, 2006
By OU Staff
“Hakafot”: “Circles in the Square”
“Hakafot”: “Circles in the Square”
What are Hakafot? On the night preceding Simchat Torah and again the following morning , Jews all over the world (in Israel, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah...
Jun 29, 2006
By OU Staff
Simchat Torah: Rejoicing With the Torah
Simchat Torah: Rejoicing With the Torah
What appears to be the last day of Sukkot, and what in the Diaspora is the “second” day of Shmini Atzeret, is called Simchat Torah, literally “the joy of/over Torah.” On...
Jun 29, 2006
By OU Staff
Parshat V’zot Habracha & Transition
Parshat V’zot Habracha & Transition
On Simchat Torah, we read Parshat V’zot HaBracha. At first glance, it seems only appropriate that this portion be read, as the very foundation of Simchat Torah is the siyum (completion)...
Jun 29, 2006
By OU Staff
Stories that Teach
Stories that Teach
Throughout Sukkot, special offerings were brought on the Altar in the Temple. Our Sages have taught us that the 70 special bull sacrifices brought on Sukkot were for the benefit of...
Jun 29, 2006
By OU Staff
Simchat Torah: Rejoicing with the Torah
Simchat Torah: Rejoicing with the Torah
What is Simchat Torah? The holiday of Simchat Torah is a great invention of the Jewish People in their Exile. It celebrates the completion of and the beginning of the “Reading...
Jun 29, 2006
By OU Staff
Simchat Torah: A Celebration of Our Relationship with God
Simchat Torah: A Celebration of Our Relationship with God
The holiday of Simchat Torah is a great invention of the Jewish People in their Exile. It celebrates the completion of and the beginning of the “Reading of the Torah.” Since...
Jun 26, 2006
By OU Staff

Discover More

email logo

Subscribe To The OU’s Shabbat Shalom Weekly Newsletter

Weekly email newsletter filled with articles, Divrei Torah, upcoming events and more! Sign up today.