Primer: Shemini
Atzeret/Simchat Torah
Coming at the conclusion
of Sukkot are the two holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. In Israel
and among liberal Jews they are combined into one holiday on the day after the
conclusion of Sukkot. Among more traditional Jews outside of Israel, they are
observed separately from one another on two consecutive days. Shemini Atzeret
means the “Eighth Day of Assembly,” while Simchat Torah means “Rejoicing in
Torah.”
History: Shemini Atzeret is mentioned in the Bible,
but its exact function is unclear. In Second Temple times, it appears to have
been a day devoted to the ritual cleansing of the altar in the Temple. With the
destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, this function of the day became obsolete.
Although it marks the beginning of the rainy season in Israel and, therefore
includes the year’s first prayer for rain, its lack of clear definition may
have provided the impetus to celebrate it in conjunction with Simchat Torah, a
celebration of the conclusion of one and the beginning of another annual cycle
of readings from the Torah. This latter holiday probably originated during the
medieval period.
At Home: Unlike many other holidays, the observance
of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are centered in the synagogue and
community. On Shemini Atzeret, some still eat in the sukkah (the traditional hut associated with the festival
of Sukkot), but in contrast to Sukkot no blessings are associated with that
activity.
In the Community: Beginning on Shemini Atzeret and
lasting until Pesach (Passover), a short prayer for rain is inserted into the
second blessing of the Amidah Prayer. It is traditional to include the Yizkor,
or memorial service, as part of the liturgy for this day. Simchat Torah is
characterized by joyful dancing with the Torah. The final portion of the Book
of Deuteronomy is read in the synagogue followed by the beginning of the Book
of Genesis. In this manner, the annual
cycle of Torah readings continues unbroken.
Theology and Themes: While Shemini Atzeret’s
significance is somewhat unclear, Simchat Torah conveys a clear message about
the centrality of Torah in Jewish life. It is both a source of Jewish identity
and a precious gift from God. Simchat Torah is the day on which the whole
community gathers to come into direct contact with the Torah and to express our
joy in having received it.
