Jews celebrate Shemini Atzeret on the 22nd day of Tishrei. Shemini Atzeret, the eighth day of Sukkot, serves as a dual religious holiday. In Israel, both Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret are commemorated on the same day, albeit the names are sometimes reversed. In the Diaspora, Simchat Torah is celebrated on the second day.
Shemini Atzeret is a day of celebration or rest that marks the end of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, which lasts for seven days. Simchat Torah, commemorates the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the start of a new cycle. This joyous celebration highlights the importance of Torah learning in Jewish life.
The most important Hebrew verb
The most important Hebrew verb associated with Simchat Torah is "לִשְׂמוֹחַ", which means "to rejoice". This is a paal verb. The same root is also present in a verb, which means "to make happy". Most probably you are now wondering if that is a hifil verb, since this is the binyan where you find verbs with which you "make somebody do something". But no, it is a piel verb. Which verb this is, and how to use it: watch my latest video ( https://youtu.be/tKFPto8rJcQ )
How do people celebrate Simchat Torah?
The Torah scrolls are removed from their storage place in the synagogue, and the congregation celebrates all night with music, dancing, and Torah readings. There are seven circuits, or hakafot, that the scrolls make around the shrine. Even though seven laps around the track are required, the partying and celebrations typically continue for much longer. It is also common practice to drink alcohol during the celebrations. Outside, many people will dance while holding the Torah scrolls as a symbol of their Jewish identity.
The last Torah reading cycle concludes in the synagogue on the morning of the celebration with the final parashah from the book of Deuteronomy. Following then, the first parashah from Genesis is recited, and a new Torah reading cycle begins.
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