Celebrate Simchat Torah: The Joy of the Torah
Sh’mini Atzeret is a celebration that occurs on the eighth day (sh’mini means eight, atzeret means celebration), the day following the seven-day holiday of Sukkot. Simchat Torah in Hebrew means “the joy of Torah.”
Israeli Jews and Reform Jews celebrate and recognize these holidays simultaneously by reading the last passage and first passage of the Torah. At Temple Beth El, we unfurl the entire Torah scroll in the Sanctuary and celebrate with our youngest learners. The High Holy Days culminate with a joyful celebration of learning. We wrap ourselves in the teachings of the Torah and the ultimate questions it poses to us about how we will move into the year and live our lives more fully.
Simchat Torah Schedule
Shabbat Evening Service – Erev Simchat Torah
Friday, October 2 @ 6:13pm-7:15pm
Join us as we unroll the Torah and celebrate Simchat Torah together. We’ll invite those who became B’nei Mitzvah this past year to help lead us in a communal Torah reading around the room.
Dancing with the Torah: Simchat Torah Dinner & Dance Party
Friday, October 2 @ 7:15pm-9:00pm
After services, we’ll keep the celebration going with a pasta bar dinner and dancing. Our DJ will have the music going to keep the energy high. Come ready to celebrate. All ages welcome!
Register by Sunday, September 27.
Torah Study
Saturday, October 3 @ 9:00am-10:00am
Join us for a special Torah study as we mark the transition from the closing words of Deuteronomy to the opening verses of Genesis, ending and beginning again through the sacred rhythm of Torah.
Tot Simchat Torah
Saturday, October 3 @ 9:30am-10:30am
Celebrate Simchat Torah with Rabbi Nichols, Ms. Patty, and Miss Debby in a lively Tot Shabbat filled with singing, dancing, and movement. We’ll parade with our Torahs, both real and stuffed. Afterward, we’ll have snacks, playtime, and a chance to create and connect.
Festival Morning Service with Yizkor
Saturday, October 3 @ 10:30am-12:00pm
Join Temple Beth El clergy for the concluding festival service, which will include the reading of the end and beginning of the Torah, singing of Hallel, and Yizkor, our memorial service.
Religious School Simchat Torah & Consecration Ceremony
Sunday, October 4 @ 10:15am-11:15am
Religious School students and families will come together to celebrate the learning of Torah. Celebrating the Torah is the perfect time to honor those children who are beginning their Jewish education in our Religious School with the Consecration of our Kindergarten students, and a special blessing for all of our new students. Our celebration will include unrolling the Torah, songs, and blessings.