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Simchat Torah is considered one of the most joyful holidays in the Jewish calendar. On this special day, Jewish people celebrate the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle, which immediately begins again. It is a festival filled with joy, music, dancing and a deep connection to the Torah.
Reading the Torah
Every week, a portion of the Torah is read in the synagogue during Shabbat. Such a portion is called a parashah or sidra. The word parashah literally means a section or portion. The Torah consists of five books and is divided into 54 weekly portions. Because there are more portions than weeks in a year, some portions are combined and read together in certain years. One example is Bereishit, the first portion of the Torah. It runs from Genesis 1:1 through Genesis 6:8. On Simchat Torah, the annual reading cycle is completed in a special way. First, the final portion of Deuteronomy (Devarim in Hebrew) is read. Immediately afterwards, the first portion of Genesis, Bereishit, is read. In this way, one cycle ends while a new one begins at the same time.
The Final Sidra
The Torah is arranged so that all five books can be read in their entirety over the course of the year. On Simchat Torah, the final portion of Deuteronomy is therefore read, bringing the annual reading cycle to an end. But the festival is not only about reaching the end. Immediately afterwards, the reading begins again with Bereishit, the first portion of Genesis. It is precisely this combination of finishing and starting again that gives Simchat Torah its special meaning. The name Simchat Torah literally means “Joy of the Torah.” The holiday is therefore entirely dedicated to celebrating the Torah and the opportunity to begin the reading cycle all over again.
A New Path
According to Jewish tradition, Simchat Torah marks the beginning of a new cycle. It takes place at the end of a period that includes several important Jewish holidays. After the period of reflection and forgiveness surrounding Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur comes Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. Joy is one of the central themes of Sukkot. Simchat Torah brings this period to a close with an exuberant celebration of the Torah. It is therefore a meaningful moment not only to look back on what has been, but also to look ahead to a new cycle.
Dancing in Circles
One of the best-known traditions of Simchat Torah is the Hakafot. During this ceremony, the Torah scrolls are taken out of the Holy Ark and carried around the bimah, the raised platform in the synagogue, while people sing and dance. Traditionally, seven Hakafot are held. The Torah scrolls are carried with great care and respect as people sing, dance and celebrate together. The circular movement symbolizes, among other things, that the Torah has no true beginning or end. As soon as the final words have been read, the reading immediately begins again from the beginning.
In the Synagogue
The celebration begins in the synagogue. The Torah scrolls are taken from the Holy Ark (Aron Kodesh) and carried through the synagogue during the Hakafot. People sing and dance around the bimah, with people of different ages joining in the celebration. On this day, many synagogues have a particularly festive atmosphere. The Torah is not only read and studied, but literally celebrated.
At Home and in the Streets
The joy of Simchat Torah does not always remain within the synagogue. Especially in Israel, celebrations can continue in the streets. People sing, dance and celebrate together with family, friends and members of their community. For Nati, Simchat Torah is a beautiful example of the special place the Torah holds in Jewish life. A text that is read and studied throughout the year becomes, on this day, the reason for one of the most joyful celebrations of the Jewish year.
From the final verse of Deuteronomy directly to the first verse of Genesis: the Torah reading cycle never truly ends. It simply begins again and again.
For at home
You can also continue the festive atmosphere of Simchat Torah at home. Segal – Dry Red Wine 75 cl is a beautiful Israeli red wine made from a blend of the Israeli Argaman grape, Merlot and Syrah. It has soft red fruit aromas and flavors, with notes of spices and nuts.
For a special occasion, Recanati – Special Reserve Red 75cl is an excellent choice. This wine is made from a blend that varies from harvest to harvest, but is always based on Mediterranean and classic Bordelaise grape varieties.
