Simchat Torah

Shemini Atzeret: Monday, October 13
Simchat Torah: Tuesday, October 14-Wednesday, October 15

We've reached the end of the High Holy Days, and it's time for a joyous celebration! Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah immediately follow the seven-day festival of Sukkot. Simchat Torah is a vibrant expression of our love for the Torah, a beautiful way to conclude the High Holy Days on a high note of happiness.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Join us for an intergenerational evening of celebration and delicious noshes! On Simchat Torah, we take the Torah scrolls from the ark, unroll one entirely, and spend the evening dancing, singing, and rejoicing. There will be a special blessing for the children, and everyone will have the opportunity to touch the Torah scroll. Dress festively, bring your dancing shoes, and let's welcome this new cycle together as a community!

TuesdayTue, 14 OctOctober, 2025

Shemini Atzeret & Yizkor Service

Tuesday, Oct 14th 10:30a to 12:00pYizkor (“Remember”) services carve out moments in time for us to remember those who we have lost, and occurs on Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shavuot, and Passover. Gather in community and collectively lift up the memories of loved ones who have died. This service will be held in-person in the Sanctuary of Rodef Sholom.

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SundaySun, 12 OctOctober, 2025

Simchat Torah Celebration

Sunday, Oct 12th 5:30p to 7:30pDinner at 5:30pm, Services and Dancing at 6pm. As we step out of the past year and look ahead to new beginnings, help us celebrate as we embark on another cycle of Torah! Put on your dancing shoes and join us for an intergenerational evening of music and revelry.

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IMPORTANT RITUALS

The Simcha (Celebration): Simchat Torah is celebrated by taking the Torah scrolls out of the ark for an evening of celebration. The scrolls are carried around the sanctuary in seven circles called hakafot. Although only seven circles are required, the celebration usually continues into the night, as well it should!

Yizkor: Yizkor (“Remember”) is a mourning service that is recited four times each year for us to remember those who we have lost. Two of these Yizkor services occur during the High Holy Days: one during Yom Kippur and the other on the eighth day of Sukkot (Shemini Atzeret).