https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torah.xml/articles/holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torahxmlarticleShemini Atzeret and Simchat TorahThe eighth-day festival following Sukkot — in Israel a single day, in the diaspora two — climaxing with the dance of Simchat Torah.The New Jew/index.xmlSacred Time/sections/sacred-time.xmlShemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah/articles/holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torah.xml
https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torah
https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torah.json
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holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torahShemini Atzeret and Simchat TorahThe eighth-day festival following Sukkot — in Israel a single day, in the diaspora two — climaxing with the dance of Simchat Torah.Summary. Shemini Atzeret ("the eighth day of assembly"), the 22nd of Tishrei, is a Yom Tov in its own right, distinct from Sukkot but immediately following it. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are the same day; in the diaspora they are split (Shemini Atzeret on the 22nd, Simchat Torah on the 23rd). Shemini Atzeret features the Tefillat Geshem (prayer for rain) and the beginning of the daily mention of rain in the Amidah. Simchat Torah celebrates the completion and re-beginning of the annual Torah cycle, with seven hakafot (circuits) of dancing with the Torah scrolls.essentialholidaysshemini atzeretsimchat torahtorah cycle2026-07-06T02:19:03.001Z6073sacred-timeSacred Timesummary
Summary. [Shemini Atzeret](/glossary.xml#letter-S) ("the eighth day of assembly"), the 22nd of [Tishrei](/glossary.xml#letter-T), is a [Yom Tov](/glossary.xml#letter-Y) in its own right, distinct from [Sukkot](/glossary.xml#letter-S) but immediately following it. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and [Simchat Torah](/glossary.xml#letter-S) are the same day; in the diaspora they are split (Shemini Atzeret on the 22nd, Simchat [Torah](/glossary.xml#letter-T) on the 23rd). Shemini Atzeret features the [Tefillat Geshem](/glossary.xml#letter-T) (prayer for rain) and the beginning of the daily mention of rain in the [Amidah](/glossary.xml#letter-A). Simchat Torah celebrates the completion and re-beginning of the annual Torah cycle, with seven [hakafot](/glossary.xml#letter-H) (circuits) of dancing with the Torah scrolls.
Summary. Shemini Atzeret ("the eighth day of assembly"), the 22nd of Tishrei, is a Yom Tov in its own right, distinct from Sukkot but immediately following it. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are the same day; in the diaspora they are split (Shemini Atzeret on the 22nd, Simchat Torah on the 23rd). Shemini Atzeret features the Tefillat Geshem (prayer for rain) and the beginning of the daily mention of rain in the Amidah. Simchat Torah celebrates the completion and re-beginning of the annual Torah cycle, with seven hakafot (circuits) of dancing with the Torah scrolls.heading
Tefillat Geshem
Tefillat Geshemparagraph
On Shemini Atzeret morning, during the [Musaf](/glossary.xml#letter-M) service, the Tefillat Geshem (prayer for rain) is chanted. From that day on (through the [Pesach](/glossary.xml#letter-P) Musaf), the second line of the Amidah's [Gevurot](/glossary.xml#letter-G) blessing includes the praise [mashiv ha-ruach u-morid ha-gashem](/glossary.xml#letter-M) ("who causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall") — a seasonal liturgical insertion. The petition for rain itself ([v'ten tal u-matar livracha](/glossary.xml#letter-V)) is inserted into the ninth blessing of the daily Amidah beginning a few weeks later (Dec 4 or 5 in the diaspora; the 7th of [Cheshvan](/glossary.xml#letter-C) in Israel). The rain liturgy frames the Jewish year's hydrological cycle.
On Shemini Atzeret morning, during the Musaf service, the Tefillat Geshem (prayer for rain) is chanted. From that day on (through the Pesach Musaf), the second line of the Amidah's Gevurot blessing includes the praise mashiv ha-ruach u-morid ha-gashem ("who causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall") — a seasonal liturgical insertion. The petition for rain itself (v'ten tal u-matar livracha) is inserted into the ninth blessing of the daily Amidah beginning a few weeks later (Dec 4 or 5 in the diaspora; the 7th of Cheshvan in Israel). The rain liturgy frames the Jewish year's hydrological cycle.heading
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torahparagraph
Simchat Torah ("Rejoicing of the Torah") completes the annual cycle of Torah reading. The last verses of [Devarim](/glossary.xml#letter-D) ([V'zot HaBracha](/glossary.xml#letter-V)) are read — every adult member of the congregation gets an [aliyah](/glossary.xml#letter-A), most commonly by repeating the reading as many times as it takes; the children are then called up together beneath a spread tallit for "[Kol HaNe'arim](/glossary.xml#letter-K)" ("all the children"); and the closing honors are "[Chatan Torah](/glossary.xml#letter-C)" and "Chatan [Bereshit](/glossary.xml#letter-B)" — the "groom of the Torah" and "groom of Bereshit". Immediately, without pause, the first verses of Bereshit are read, in a graphic affirmation that the Torah has no end. Seven hakafot (circuits) of dancing with the Torah scrolls around the [bimah](/glossary.xml#letter-B) animate the evening; in many communities, the hakafot continue for hours. The day is one of the most joyful in the Jewish calendar.
Simchat Torah ("Rejoicing of the Torah") completes the annual cycle of Torah reading. The last verses of Devarim (V'zot HaBracha) are read — every adult member of the congregation gets an aliyah, most commonly by repeating the reading as many times as it takes; the children are then called up together beneath a spread tallit for "Kol HaNe'arim" ("all the children"); and the closing honors are "Chatan Torah" and "Chatan Bereshit" — the "groom of the Torah" and "groom of Bereshit". Immediately, without pause, the first verses of Bereshit are read, in a graphic affirmation that the Torah has no end. Seven hakafot (circuits) of dancing with the Torah scrolls around the bimah animate the evening; in many communities, the hakafot continue for hours. The day is one of the most joyful in the Jewish calendar.heading
The Halachic Status
The Halachic Statusparagraph
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are both full Yom Tov — work is prohibited, festive meals are eaten, special prayers ([Hallel](/glossary.xml#letter-H), [Yizkor](/glossary.xml#letter-Y)) are recited. Shemini Atzeret includes Yizkor (the memorial prayer for the dead). Simchat Torah's atmosphere is exuberant; alcohol consumption is widespread in [Orthodox](/glossary.xml#letter-O) communities, though restrained in the older [Yekke](/glossary.xml#letter-Y) (German) and [Sephardic](/glossary.xml#letter-S) traditions.
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are both full Yom Tov — work is prohibited, festive meals are eaten, special prayers (Hallel, Yizkor) are recited. Shemini Atzeret includes Yizkor (the memorial prayer for the dead). Simchat Torah's atmosphere is exuberant; alcohol consumption is widespread in Orthodox communities, though restrained in the older Yekke (German) and Sephardic traditions.heading
Where Denominations Diverge
Where Denominations Divergeparagraph
Universal. Israel: Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah are a single day (22 Tishrei). Diaspora: split into two days — and in the diaspora one still eats in the [sukkah](/glossary.xml#letter-S) on Shemini Atzeret, though without the blessing leishev basukkah and with communities differing over how much of the day's eating happens there; in Israel one does not. [Reform](/glossary.xml#letter-R) congregations in the diaspora typically observe one day. The hakafot are universal but vary in style — Orthodox communities often dance for hours; Reform congregations typically have shorter, more choreographed dancing. The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel occurred on Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah; the holiday now bears the additional weight of that memory in Israeli and diaspora consciousness alike.
Universal. Israel: Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah are a single day (22 Tishrei). Diaspora: split into two days — and in the diaspora one still eats in the sukkah on Shemini Atzeret, though without the blessing leishev basukkah and with communities differing over how much of the day's eating happens there; in Israel one does not. Reform congregations in the diaspora typically observe one day. The hakafot are universal but vary in style — Orthodox communities often dance for hours; Reform congregations typically have shorter, more choreographed dancing. The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel occurred on Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah; the holiday now bears the additional weight of that memory in Israeli and diaspora consciousness alike.heading
Sources
Sourcesparagraph
Torah: [Vayikra 23:36](https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.23.36); [Bamidbar 29:35–38](https://www.sefaria.org/Numbers.29.35-38).
Torah: Vayikra 23:36; Bamidbar 29:35–38.paragraph
[Talmud Bavli, Sukkah 47a–48a](https://www.sefaria.org/Sukkah.47a-48a); [Megillah 31a](https://www.sefaria.org/Megillah.31a).
Talmud Bavli, Sukkah 47a–48a; Megillah 31a.paragraph
[Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yom Tov](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah,_Rest_on_a_Holiday).
Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yom Tov.paragraph
[Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 668–669](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh,_Orach_Chayim.668-669).
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 668–669.paragraph
[What to Expect at Simchat Torah Services](https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3076274/jewish/What-to-Expect-at-Simchat-Torah-Services.htm) — Chabad.org.
What to Expect at Simchat Torah Services — Chabad.org.paragraph
[Sh'mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah](https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/simchat-torah) — ReformJudaism.org.
Sh'mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah — ReformJudaism.org.paragraph
[A Deeper Look at Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah - One holiday or two? Do we eat in the Sukkah? What are we celebrating?](https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1288162/jewish/A-Deeper-Look-at-Shemini-Atzeret-Simchat-Torah.htm) — Chabad.org.
A Deeper Look at Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah - One holiday or two? Do we eat in the Sukkah? What are we celebrating? — Chabad.org.paragraph
[Sh'mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah](https://www.reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/simchat-torah-and-shmini-atzeret) — ReformJudaism.org.
Sh'mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah — ReformJudaism.org.heading
Further Reading
Further Readingparagraph
[Yitz Greenberg](/glossary.xml#letter-R), The Jewish Way — Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah chapter.
Yitz Greenberg, The Jewish Way — Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah chapter.paragraph
Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, The Book of Our Heritage.
Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, The Book of Our Heritage.holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanahRosh Hashanah/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanah.xmlholidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippurYom Kippur/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippur.xmlholidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkotSukkot/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot.xmlholidays-shalosh-regalim-pesachPesach/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-pesach.xmlcalendar-daf-yomi-a-page-a-dayDaf Yomi: A Page a Daydeeper/articles/calendar-daf-yomi-a-page-a-day.xmlholidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fastsThe Four Minor Fastsdeeper/articles/holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fasts.xmlAmidahעֲמִידָהLiterally 'standing' — the central prayer of every Jewish service, recited standing and traditionally facing Jerusalem. It is also called the Shemoneh Esrei ('Eighteen'), after the original count of its weekday blessings.essentials-essential-prayers-the-amidah-shemoneh-esreiBereshitבְּרֵאשִׁיתThe first book of the Torah — Genesis — and the name of its first weekly portion. The word itself means 'in the beginning.'Chatan Torahחֲתַן תּוֹרָה'Groom of the Torah' — the honor, on Simchat Torah, of being called up for the Torah's final verses as the annual reading is completed.CheshvanחֶשְׁוָןThe fall month that follows Tishrei — the only month with no holidays or fast days at all. Its fuller name is Marcheshvan, which folk tradition reads as 'bitter Cheshvan' for that reason.DevarimדְּבָרִיםThe fifth book of the Torah — Deuteronomy — consisting of Moshe's farewell addresses. The name means 'words.'GevurotגְּבוּרוֹתThe second blessing of the Amidah, praising God's might — including the power to revive the dead — and carrying the seasonal mentions of rain and dew.HallelהַלֵּלThe sequence of praise Psalms (113–118) sung on festivals, on Rosh Chodesh, and throughout Hanukkah.Kol HaNe'arimכָּל הַנְּעָרִים"All the children" — the beloved Simchat Torah aliyah in which all the children come up to the Torah together beneath a spread-out tallit.MusafמוּסָףThe 'additional' service recited after the morning service on Shabbat, festivals, and Rosh Chodesh, corresponding to the extra offering brought in the Temple on those days.Orthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism holds Halacha as fully binding and the Shulchan Aruch as its canonical code; it spans Haredi and Hasidic communities as well as Modern Orthodoxy, and is the starting point from which this Field Guide is written, even as it engages seriously with other denominations.how-to-use-this-field-guidePesachפֶּסַחPassover — the spring festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, observed with the seder meal, matzah, and the removal of chametz from the home.holidays-shalosh-regalim-pesachRabbi Yitz GreenbergRabbi Irving 'Yitz' Greenberg (b. 1933), a Modern Orthodox rabbi and Holocaust theologian known for the principle that no Jewish theological statement should be made that would not be credible in the presence of burning children; author of The Jewish Way.holidays-modern-observances-yom-hashoahReform JudaismReform Judaism treats Halacha as a source of values and meaning rather than binding law, emphasizing individual autonomy, ethical monotheism, and tikkun olam; it was the first movement to fully recognize patrilineal descent and ordain women as rabbis.how-to-use-this-field-guideSephardiסְפָרַדִּיA Jew whose family traces to medieval Spain and Portugal — and, in common usage, to the broader communities of the Mediterranean and Middle East that follow Sephardic law and liturgy. The plural is Sephardim.Shemini Atzeretשְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶתThe 'eighth day of assembly' — the festival immediately following Sukkot, when the prayer for rain begins; in Israel it coincides with Simchat Torah.holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torahSimchat Torahשמחת תורה'The joy of the Torah' — the festival on which the annual Torah-reading cycle is completed and immediately begun again, celebrated with seven circuits of dancing with the scrolls.holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torahSukkotסוכותThe autumn Festival of Booths, one of the three pilgrimage festivals — seven days of dwelling in the sukkah and waving the four species, in 'the season of our joy.'holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkotTefillat Geshemתפילת גשםThe prayer for rain recited on Shemini Atzeret, opening the winter season in which rain is mentioned daily in the Amidah.TishreiתשריThe autumn month that opens the Jewish year, dense with holy days: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah.TorahתּוֹרָהThe Five Books of Moses — the scroll at the center of Jewish life — and, more broadly, the whole of Jewish teaching. 'Learning Torah' can mean anything from Chumash to Talmud.V'zot HaBerachahוזאת הברכה'And this is the blessing' — the final parshah of the Torah, Moses' farewell blessing; it is read on Simchat Torah as the annual cycle ends and begins again.YekkeיקהA Jew of German origin (Yiddish) — affectionately associated with punctuality, formality, and distinct liturgical customs.Yizkorיזכור'May God remember' — the memorial service for deceased parents and close relatives, recited on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the last day of Pesach, and Shavuot.Yom Tovיום טובLiterally 'a good day' — a full festival day (such as the first days of Pesach and Sukkot, Shavuot, and Rosh Hashanah) on which work is restricted much as on Shabbat, with certain exceptions such as cooking.aliyahעלייהLiterally 'going up' — the honor of being called up to the Torah during its public reading (plural: aliyot). The same word describes immigrating to the Land of Israel.bimahבִּימָהThe raised platform in the synagogue from which the Torah is read and, in many congregations, the service is led.hakafotהַקָּפוֹתCircuits — festive processions around the synagogue, most famously the seven rounds of dancing with the Torah scrolls on Simchat Torah.mashiv ha-ruach u-morid ha-gashemמַשִּׁיב הָרוּחַ וּמוֹרִיד הַגֶּשֶׁם"Who makes the wind blow and the rain fall" — the praise of God inserted into the Amidah through the rainy season, from Shemini Atzeret until Pesach.sukkahסוכהThe temporary booth, roofed with cut branches, in which Jews eat (and some sleep) during the seven days of Sukkot, recalling the Israelites' wilderness dwellings.going-deeper-deeper-judaica-sukkahv'ten tal u-matar livrachahותן טל ומטר לברכה'Grant dew and rain for blessing' — the petition for rain inserted into the weekday Amidah through the winter months.parentSacred Time/sections/sacred-time.xmlrelatedRosh Hashanah/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanah.xmlrelatedYom Kippur/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippur.xmlrelatedSukkot/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot.xmlrelatedPesach/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-pesach.xmlrelatedDaf Yomi: A Page a Day/articles/calendar-daf-yomi-a-page-a-day.xmlrelatedThe Four Minor Fasts/articles/holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fasts.xml