Simchat Torah 2023

Halachic Framework

As a biblical festival (Yom Tov), Simchat Torah carries obligations similar to Shabbat, with a few permit exceptions:

• Work restrictions: Creative labor (melachah) is prohibited. Cooking and carrying for food preparation are permitted (ochel nefesh), so meals may be prepared on the festival itself.
• Prayer additions: Hallel is recited during the morning service, the Musaf sacrifice is memorialized in the Additional Prayer, and Yaaleh Veyavo is inserted into the Amidah and Grace After Meals.
• Yizkor: The memorial prayer for departed parents is recited in Diaspora communities (and in many Israeli ones) on the final day.
• Kiddush & candles: Festival candles are lit before sunset on the eve, and Kiddush is recited both nights.

Customs & Observances

• Seven hakafot — circuits around the synagogue with Torah scrolls
• Reading Vezot HaBerachah, the final Torah portion
• Reading Bereshit, beginning the cycle anew
• Honoring the Chatan Torah (bridegroom of the Torah) and Chatan Bereshit
• Joyous dancing and singing in the synagogue

Greetings & Blessings for Simchat Torah

Traditional greetings used before, during, and after Simchat Torah:

• Chag Sameach — "A joyous holiday"
• Simchat Torah Sameach — "A joyous Simchat Torah"

בעברית:

• חג שמח
• שמחת תורה שמח

About Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah is the day on which the annual Torah reading cycle is completed and immediately begun anew. In Israel it coincides with Shmini Atzeret on the 22nd of Tishrei; in the Diaspora it is observed on the 23rd of Tishrei.

Also known as: Simchas Torah

Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the date shown and conclude at nightfall (when three medium stars are visible) on the final day. In the Diaspora, major Torah festivals are observed for two days (Yom Tov Sheni shel Galuyot), while in Israel they are observed for one day.

Candle Lighting Times for Simchat Torah 2023

Festival candles are lit on the evening of Saturday, October 7, 2023 before sunset. Times for six major communities:

Candle-lighting is calculated as sunset minus each community's customary offset (Jerusalem 40 minutes; most other communities 18). If a festival eve falls on a weekday, the times above are exact; use the weekly schedule links for surrounding dates.