Simchat Tora

Simchat Torah (Rejoicing with the Torah)

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On Simchat Torah (and in some communities on Shemini Atzeret as well), there is a tradition of dancing with the Torah scrolls in the synagogue. People joyfully dance around the bimah (platform) while holding the Torah scrolls, circling it seven times, and singing joyful melodies. Children play a central role in this celebration. They are given flags and candies and are often lifted on the shoulders of adults. The dancing continues on Simchat Torah morning as the Torah is read and the cycle of reading the Torah is restarted. This signifies that we are never finished studying the Torah and that we continually strive for deeper understanding.