HISTORY OF SIMCHAT TORAH

 

HISTORY OF SIMCHAT TORAH

Originating sometime in the Medieval period, Simchat Torah celebrates the conclusion of one and beginning of another cycle of Torah reading. The holiday lasts one to two days, with some more Orthodox communities observing it on the day following Shemini Atzeret. 

Unlike other Jewish holidays, Simchat Torah doesn’t appear in biblical texts. After the Prophet Moses established weekly scripture readings on Shabbat mornings and festivals, and the Prophet Ezra adding readings on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat afternoons, an order was eventually established.

Babylonian Jews divided the Torah into 54 sections to be read over a year. Later, 12th century European Jews began adding the Genesis reading to the Simchat Torah ritual to assert the belief that every ending leads to a new beginning. During the 20th century, the Simchat Torah gained new significance as a public assertion of Jewish identity, using the joyful and celebratory public dancing around the Torah to affirm and take pride in the Jewish religion and culture.

By Jewish custom, a new beginning must immediately follow an ending. During the Torah reading at Simchat Torah, the beginning of Genesis is read right after the end of Deuteronomy, closing and renewing the cycle.

In contrast with other Jewish holy days that center on the family in the home, Simchat Torah activities focus on the synagogue and the community. The holiday honors the importance of the Torah, Judaism’s holy book, celebrating with joyful dances and rituals that center the book as a pillar of the community. During the evening service, the rabbi brings the Torah through the congregation, who engages in a dance symbolizing their gratitude for the gift of the gospel.

SIMCHAT TORAH TIMELINE

1312 BCE

Exodus

Moses leads the Jewish people out of Egypt in one of history’s most epic journeys, wandering the desert for forty years.

315-337 C.E.

Constantine Restricts Judaism

As Christianity becomes dominant in Europe, Roman Emperor Constantine outlaws conversion to Judaism and restricts Jewish religious services.

17th Century C.E.

First Torah Scroll

The first Torah scroll is scribed by Yemenite Jews.

May 14, 1948

Israel Formed

After the United Nations approves the formation of a Jewish state, the State of Israel declares itself as an independent nation on May 14, 1948.

SIMCHAT TORAH FAQS