Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah begins before sunset on Friday, Oct. 2 and continues through nightfall on the 4th.
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Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah begins before sunset on Friday, Oct. 2, and continues through nightfall on the 4th.
Simchat Torah

Dear Mr. Mcentire,

As we experience the pulsating joy of Sukkot, we look forward to it culminating in the uber-joyous holiday of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.

“On Simchat Torah,” goes the chassidic adage, “we rejoice with the Torah, and the Torah rejoices with us; the Torah, too, wants to dance, so we become the Torah's dancing feet.”

So this Simchat Torah be sure to join us at a Chabad House near you. Your dance partner, the Torah, will be waiting for you, along with a congregation full of new and old friends.

And to help you get ready for this most thrilling climax of the High Holiday season, we’ve collected 10 things for you to do now in preparation for the holiday.

L’chaim—to Life! Chag same’ach!

Your friends @ Chabad.org

10 things to do
before Simchat Torah


1
With two names (“Shemini Atzeret” is in the Torah, and the term “Simchat Torah” was introduced in the Middle Ages) and a range of emotions (we say Yizkor one day and dance with abandon on the next), this holiday must be unpacked and understood.


2


3
Learn from the Rebbe about the unique joy and inner rhythm that radiates outward from this season to the entire year.


4
The synagogue service of this day is like no other, replete with dancing, singing, capering, and maybe even some (moderate) drinking in the synagogue.


5
In addition to challah (dipped in salt, not honey), your Simchat Torah meals should be festive and delicious. A Simchat Torah classic in many communities is stuffed cabbage (here’s why).


6
Make sure you have enlightening and inspiring reading material so that every moment of the holiday is uplifting and memorable.




8
On Simchat Torah we complete the annual cycle of reading the Torah and immediately start it again. This is an ideal time to rededicate ourselves to daily Torah study, completing the entire Torah in a year’s time.


9
Get into the Simchat Torah mood with these coloring sheets, which you can either hang on the wall or turn into Simchat Torah Flags!


10
Found everything you need, and feel ready for a rollicking Simchat Torah? Take our quiz to see how well you know this special holiday.
For more on the holiday of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah visit:

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