Upcoming Events
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah
Coming at the conclusion of Sukkot are the two holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Shemini Atzeret means the “Eighth Day of Assembly,” while Simchat Torah means “Rejoicing in Torah.”
2011 DATES
Erev Shemini Atzeret, Wednesday, October 19
Erev Simchat Torah, Thursday, October 20
AT BETH JACOB FOR SHEMINI ATZERET AND SIMCHAT TORAH
Shemini Atzeret Service (Includes Yizkor) - Thursday, October 2, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the Beit T'fillah (Chapel)
Simchat Torah Service and Celebration
Join us for the annual Torah ROLL OUT, dancing and fun celebrating Simchas Torah on Thursday, October 20th at 6:00 p.m.
LEARN MORE ABOUT... SHEMINI ATZERET AND SIMCHAT TORAH
History
Shemini Atzeret is mentioned in the Bible, but its exact function is unclear. In Second Temple times, it appears to have been a day devoted to the ritual cleansing of the altar in the Temple. With the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, this function of the day became obsolete. Although it marks the beginning of the rainy season in Israel and, therefore includes the year’s first prayer for rain, its lack of clear definition may have provided the impetus to celebrate it in conjunction with Simchat Torah, a celebration of the conclusion of one and the beginning of another annual cycle of readings from the Torah. This latter holiday probably originated during the medieval period.
At Home
Unlike many other holidays, the observance of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are centered in the synagogue and community. On Shemini Atzeret, some still eat in the sukkah (the traditional hut associated with the festival of Sukkot), but in contrast to Sukkot no blessings are associated with that activity.
In the Community
Beginning on Shemini Atzeret and lasting until Pesach (Passover), a short prayer for rain is inserted into the second blessing of the Amidah Prayer. It is traditional to include the Yizkor, or memorial service, as part of the liturgy for this day. Simchat Torah is characterized by joyful dancing with the Torah. The final portion of the Book of Deuteronomy is read in the synagogue followed by the beginning of the Book of Genesis. In this manner, the annual cycle of Torah readings continues unbroken.
Theology and Themes
While Shemini Atzeret’s significance is somewhat unclear, Simchat Torah conveys a clear message about the centrality of Torah in Jewish life. It is both a source of Jewish identity and a precious gift from God. Simchat Torah is the day on which the whole community gathers to come into direct contact with the Torah and to express our joy in having received it.
