Simchat Torah
Simcha Torah means "Rejoicing of/[with the] Torah"), it is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of the new annual reading cycle.
Simchat Torah is the day after the final day of Sukkot Sh'mini Atzeret (8th day of Assembly)
Simchat Torah is the day after the final day of Sukkot Sh'mini Atzeret (8th day of Assembly)
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How to celebrate
On Erev Simchat Torah, we dance with the Torah scrolls, complete the hakafot circles, read from the Torah scroll and roll it back to the beginning. It’s quite an enjoyable service! Dancing with the Torah scroll: During Simchat Torah we are to be the Torah’s feet to dance as we celebrate the delight we take in God’s Word. We most of all celebrate God's Word that became flesh and dwells with us - Yeshua the Messiah. The Torah scrolls are taken out and passed around so all can dance with it. There are a few guidelines: - No raising of the Torah scroll is recommended - all Torah scrolls should be held over the right shoulder at all times. - We have a Torah guide available to facilitate the transferring of the scrolls - We ask that all always hold by the handles not on the cover or touch the scroll parchment itself. We also have a small Torah scroll which is made available for kids to dance with it. After all, the Torah is for all age groups. |
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Hakafot:
The hakafot are the 7 processions the Torah will take around the synagogue. It serves the purpose of the symbolism of the Torah going forth from the ark to all the world, even the ones that are unable to come to it and dance with it. It also reminds us of the 7 circles a bride does around her groom at a Jewish wedding. We are also reminded of our Bride Groom Yeshua, the living Word of God. We all follow the Torah scroll around as it is passed to those who wish to dance with it.
We count each circle and proceed to reading from the Torah scroll and rolling it back to the beginning.
Plan on joining us!
The hakafot are the 7 processions the Torah will take around the synagogue. It serves the purpose of the symbolism of the Torah going forth from the ark to all the world, even the ones that are unable to come to it and dance with it. It also reminds us of the 7 circles a bride does around her groom at a Jewish wedding. We are also reminded of our Bride Groom Yeshua, the living Word of God. We all follow the Torah scroll around as it is passed to those who wish to dance with it.
We count each circle and proceed to reading from the Torah scroll and rolling it back to the beginning.
Plan on joining us!
