Following other videos on the High Holidays, today Rabbi David Kalb, Director of Jewish Education for the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at 92nd Street Y, discusses Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Immediately following the last day of Sukkot, we celebrate the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, literally, the Eighth Day of Assembly. Simchat Torah, literally, the Joy of Torah, marks the completion and restart of the yearly cycle of Torah reading. The day is one of the most joyous of the entire year. All of the Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and people march around the synagogue singing and dancing with the scrolls. Children also dance around the synagogue carrying flags and miniature Torahs. These processions around the synagogue are known as hakafot.

Rabbi David Kalb and 92Y wishes all of you a wonderful Simchat Torah!

Previously:
The Jewish Connection: Sukkot Rabbi David Kalb
The Jewish Connection: Yom Kippur with Rabbi David Kalb
The Jewish Connection: Rosh Hashanah With Rabbi David Kalb

[92Y Jewish Holidays & Celebrations]

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