Introduction
Throughout the year, a set portion of the Torah is read each week. On Simchat Torah that cycle is finished when the last verses of Deuteronomy are read. The first few verses of Genesis are read immediately afterward, thereby starting the cycle again. For this reason, Simchat Torah is a joyous holiday celebrating having completed the study of God's word and looking forward to hearing those words again during the coming year.
Watch the following short movie to learn a bit more about what happens during this Jewish festival.
Watch the following short movie to learn a bit more about what happens during this Jewish festival.
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To Celebrate Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah services begin in the evening, at the start of the holiday. The Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and given to members of the congregation to hold, then they march around the synagogue and everyone kisses the Torah scrolls as they pass. This ceremony is known as hakafot, which means "to march around" in Hebrew. Once the Torah holders return to the ark everyone forms a circle around them and dances with them. There are seven hakafot in total, so as soon as the first dance is completed the scrolls are handed to other members of the congregation and the ritual begins anew. In some synagogues it is also popular for children to hand out candy to everyone.
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At the conclusion of the service the Torah scrolls are carried around the synagogue seven times. Children are encouraged to participate by following the Torah and waving brightly colored flags often topped with apples. People sing and dance during the flag waving parade.
Dancing with the Torah
Watch the following video to see how the dancing with the Torah Scrolls occurs.