Simchat Torah in Canada

Simchat Torah, which means "Rejoicing in the Torah" in Hebrew, is a Jewish holiday that marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle. In Canada, as in other parts of the world, it is a day infused with joyous celebration.

Date

• Simchat Torah follows immediately after the festival of Sukkot and usually falls in late September or October.
• In Israel and Reform Jewish communities, it is celebrated on the same day as Shemini Atzeret. However, outside Israel, in more traditional communities such as those found across Canada, Simchat Torah is observed on the following day.

History

• The origins of Simchat Torah are not biblically mandated but evolved during Rabbinic times.
• It became a distinct celebration around the 9th century when Jews began to read one portion of the Torah each week, culminating in an annual cycle.

Traditions

• The main event involves taking all the Torah scrolls out of the ark and joyously parading them around the synagogue seven times. These parades are known as Hakafot.
• It is customary for all members of the community to participate in reading from the Torah.
• The last portion of Deuteronomy and then immediately following it with the first chapter of Genesis is read to symbolize that learning never ends.

Activities

• In Canada's synagogues, there is singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls.
• Flags and sweets are often given to children to add to their enjoyment.
• Some synagogues host special meals or festive gatherings after services.

The celebration emphasizes both community involvement and joyous engagement with one's faith as Canadian Jews join worldwide Jewry in expressing reverence for their sacred texts.