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Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are two Jewish holidays that conclude the Sukkot festival. In Israel, they are celebrated as one holiday immediately following the end of Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret means "the eighth [day] of assembly," while Simchat Torah translates to "Rejoicing with the Torah." The combined holiday typically falls in late September or October.
The roots of Shemini Atzeret can be found in the Torah, where it is commanded to hold a solemn gathering on the eighth day after Sukkot. Simchat Torah developed later during Rabbinic times as a celebration marking the completion and immediate renewal of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings.
Prayer for Rain: On Shemini Atzeret, there is a special prayer for rain, known as Tefilat Geshem, which highlights its agricultural significance.
Yizkor: A memorial service for the deceased, called Yizkor, is also recited in synagogues.
Simchat Torah Festivities: Celebrations include Hakafot (processions) where participants dance with Torah scrolls around the synagogue or even outdoors.
Torah Readings: On Simchat Torah, every male member of the congregation is given an aliyah (called up to read), and both the last portion of Deuteronomy and the first portion of Genesis are read to symbolize the endless cycle of Torah study.
Special Foods: There are no specific foods associated with Simchat Torah, but festive meals similar to those during Sukkot are common.
In Israel, people attend synagogue services that feature joyous singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls. Children often participate with flags and candles. Outside of religious observances, families may spend time together enjoying meals or partaking in leisure activities due to the holiday's non-working status in Israel.
