Simchat Torah
Begins sunset of Sunday, October 20, 2019
Ends nightfall of Tuesday, October 22, 2019
- No work is permitted
Union and equal rights are key themes of Shemini Atseret and Simchat Torah, dates on which we rejoice with the Torah. The best way to celebrate Simchat Torah would be to devote two days to reading the Torah, but it is just the opposite that occurs, that is, all Jews, without exception, take the closed Torah and dance with it in their arms. The event holds a great lesson: if the feasts were performed with the open Torah, with its reading, there would be distinctions between one Jew and another, for the understanding and knowledge of each are different. With the Torah closed, we show the union and equality of all the Jews, united by the same joy. The text is not read, but everyone knows it is something precious and therefore dance together and in total joy. Simchat Torah occurs on the eighth day after Sukkot, the day when the annual reading of the Torah closes and resumes as a reminder of its eternity.
Events marked with ☼ integrate the Ohel Jacob calendar