Meaning & Purpose
This holiday celebrates finishing and restarting the reading of the Torah.
What is Simchat Torah?
On Simchat Torah, people do this while holding the Torah scrolls.
What is dancing?
On Simchat Torah, the final portion of the Torah is read from this book.
What is Deuteronomy?
Children often receive these during Simchat Torah celebrations.
What are flags or sweets?
The name “Simchat Torah” means this in English.
What is “Rejoicing with the Torah”?
These special processions are done around the synagogue.
What are hakafot (circuits/processions)?
After finishing the last section, the reading begins again with this book.
What is Genesis?
Many communities invite everyone to join this joyful activity, not just adults.
What is dancing with the Torah?
This is the main reason Jewish people celebrate Simchat Torah.
What is to celebrate the Torah and its importance in Jewish life?
This object is carried, hugged and celebrated during the service.
What is the Torah scroll?
This shows that Torah study never really ends.
What is starting the Torah again immediately after finishing it?
This role is given to people who are honoured to read the last and first Torah portions.
Who are the Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereshit?