Simhat Torah: Rejoicing of the Torah

An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy stands on his head as he dances with others during the celebration of Simhat Torah (Rejoicing of the Torah) in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim, on 21 October 2008.

Jews carry a Torah Scrolls as they dance with others during the celebration of Simhat Torah in Rabin Square, in Tel Aviv.

As soon as Sukkot is finished for the seven days, what some infer as the eighth day is Simhat Torah (Rejoicing of the Torah); which is the completion of the cycle Torah reading for the year.

The main honor on this particular day is reading the final verse of the Torah which is called chatan Torah (the bridegroom of the Torah). Then one has the honor of reading Genesis which is called chatan Bereshit (the bridegroom of Genesis), to signify the continuing cycle of worship and to signify that the Torah has neither beginning nor end or a time when the Jewish people are not engaged in it’s reading.

Further, this particular day is primarily celebrated in the synagogue.

Also at this time, all of the Jewish people usually have the opportunity to celebrate with dancing and the parade of the Torah scrolls, as an act of honor and reverence.

While there are much more detailed events that occur on this specific day, this is the main significance.