Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah (Hebrew שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה, German "Joy of the Torah ", ie the law ) is to begin the last of the Jewish holidays, the Feast of Tabernacles ( Sukkot ). In Orthodox and Conservative communities of the Diaspora, he is celebrated as the second day of Shemini Atzeret festival on 23 Tishri, the first month of the Jewish calendar in September or October - in Israel and those in Reform congregations, where Shemini Atzeret lasts only one day, Shemini Atzeret simultaneously on 22 Tishri. Simchat Torah is also popular with less religious Jews, especially among families with children, very popular.

Simchat Torah as an independent holiday originated in the Middle Ages, in the period of Gaonim, when the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah prevailed. The customs, after which the holiday is celebrated, have developed over a longer period and partially differ considerably depending on the location and orientation of the community.

Since the 14th century, the reading of the Torah, which, in the synagogue completed five books of Moses to the last section of the fifth book, and once again started with the first section of the first book of a new on this festive day. Around the same time the custom of the Torah scrolls originated in a procession called Hakafot to carry through the synagogue. In the 16th century it became customary in the evening of the feast to take all the Torah scrolls from the Toraschrank and to take the lectern. Today, the Torah scrolls are carried by those present in seven Hakafot to the lectern and the synagogue. Since the early modern period is danced and sung to and the Hakafot can take a long time. In some communities, is already in the evening reading from the Torah.

During the morning worship the Hakafot be repeated before the Torah reading. In many communities are present on this day all adult men and women in Reform congregations, called to the Torah, the corresponding Torah portion is repeated as often as necessary, and finally the children are called together. In most communities it is common to two community members, in some Sephardic communities three or only one, to honor the call to the last and the first portion of the Torah in particular. The former are referred to as Chatan or Kallat Torah ( bridegroom or bride of the Torah (Law ) ), the latter as Chatan Bereshit or Kallat ( groom or bride in the beginning ( Genesis) ). They are expected to invite to a reception after the service and donate money to charity of the community.

For the children Simchat Torah is a special feast day, in which they participate in the processions are rewarded according to Ashkenazic custom with special flags, and with fruits and sweets.