“The Torah is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who rely on it.” — Proverbs 3:18

Simchat Torah (Simchat Torah): full study

1) What it is and when it is celebrated

Simchat Torah (“rejoicing of the Torah”) is a holiday in which the jewish people, culminating in the annual reading of the Torah (Devarim/Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12), and the restarted immediately from Bereshit/Genesis 1:1-2:3. In Israel coincides with Sheminí Atzeret (22 Tishrei). In the Diaspora, Sheminí Atzeret lasts for two days and Simchat Torah is celebrated on the second (23rd of Tishrei).

2) Origins and history

Does not appear in the Hebrew Bible or in the Talmud; it emerges as a celebration posbíblica linked to the closure of the annual cycle, babylonian (s. V–VI) and consolidates its position as the feast itself to the XI–XII centuries, when it's usual to restart Genesis in the same office.
Sources gaónicas (s. IX–XI) already described a “joy of the Torah” is linked to the end of the cycle; in the land of Israel, where there was a three-year cycle, the practice was different.

3) Relationship with Sheminí Atzeret

Sheminí Atzeret is a solemnity independent, which continues to Succoth. There is introduced the Tefilat Guésem (prayer for rain) in the Musaf and begins to say Mashiv Harúaj'u Morid Hagueshem until Passover. In Israel, this all happens the same day as Simchat Torah; in the Diaspora, the prayer is said on the first day and a great celebration of dance and readings focuses on the second.

“The words of the Torah is compared to water: just as water flows to low places, the Torah dwells in the humble heart.” — Talmud, Ta'anit 7a

4) Readings and liturgical structure

• Torah (night/day): extract all the rolls and you are done seven hakafot (turns danzadas) with the Sifré Torah.
• Morning:
  • Final reading: Vezot Haberajá (Deut 33-34). Honor Jatán Torah / Kallat Torah.
  • Initial reading: Bereishit 1:1-2:3. Honor Jatán Bereishit / Kallat Bereishit.
  • Maftir: Numbers 29:35-30:1.
  • Haftará: Joshua 1:1-18.
• Aliot: it seeks to provide a aliyá to any adult person present; the children involved in Kol HaNe'arim under a talit deployed. (In egalitarian communities, honors can be mixed).

5) Customs central

• Hakafot (dances with the Torah): seven circuits around the bimá; its modern form is inspired by the processions of Hoshana Rabbah. In Israel it is usual to celebrate Hakafot Shniyot (second hakafot) in the posterior night, open to the public.
• Children and pennants/sweets: spreading confectionery and flags; the Jatán/Challah tend to sponsor a kiddush or seudá festive.

6) Differences of practice (Israel/Diaspora and rites)

• Israel: a single day (Sheminí Atzeret = Simchat Torah).
• Diaspora: two days; the joy and maximum readings of the Simchat Torah will go in the second.
• Use of sukkah: some communities diaspóricas eat in the sukkah on the first day (Sheminí Atzeret) without berajá; not on Simchat Torah.
• Rites ashkenazi/sephardi/yemeni: vary piyutim, order of aliot and melodies, while maintaining the basic structure (hakafot, shutdown and restart of the cycle).

“Great is the study of the Torah, as it leads to action.” — Talmud, Kidushin 40b

7) Meanings theological and pedagogical

• Never-ending cycle: it is emphasized that the study of the Torah is not the end; the end it is linked with the beginning.
• Torah and community: the centrality of the dance and the joy express collective belonging beyond the individual level of erudition.

8) Dimension a historical contemporary

In the TWENTIETH century, Simchat Torah became a public symbol of jewish identity; famous were the demonstrations “refuseniks” in Moscow and the large rallies in solidarity in New York city during the years between 60-80.

9) Frame halachic and practices of Yom Tov

• Sanctification of the day: candle lighting, kiddush, and holiday foods; avoiding work forbidden on Yom Tov (with the exceptions of kitchen/transfer of fire according to halachah).
• Safety Sifré Torah: avoid dancing in conditions that put them at risk the rolls; the rabinado local brand guidelines.
• Prayer for the rain: Tefilat Guésem and mention of Mashiv Harúaj... from Sheminí Atzeret.

“Not celebrating the end of the Torah, but the privilege of being able to start over.” — Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin

10) a practical Guide

• If you're in Israel: it all happens in 22 Tishrei; there will be hakafot and readings on the same day, and often Hakafot Shniyot open to the public in the next night.
• If you're in the Diaspora: first day = Sheminí Atzeret (Afmis with Guésem); second day = Simchat Torah hakafot large and readings shutdown/startup).
• What to expect at synagogue: music and dancing with the Torah, children participating, multiple aliot, special call-out to Jatán/Challah Torah and Jatán/Challah Bereishit, and the reading-bound Deuteronomy → Genesis.
• Greeting appropriate: Jag Somayach / Moadim leSimjá. (Use common, non-source specific regulations.)

“The Torah is not being taught to one who does not smile.” — Midrash Mishlei 30