Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah Quiz

Question 1 of 10

It is customary for the person who leads the prayer for Rain to wear

A sheitel
A kittel
A beard
Tefillin

Question 2 of 10

On Simchat Torah, what are the circles made while holding the Torah and dancing around the synagogue called?

Hoshanot
Bedekin
Neilah
Hakafot

Question 3 of 10

How did the rabbis in the Talmud interpret Leviticus 23:36, “The eighth day you shall observe a sacred occasion (atzeret) and bring an offering by fire to the Lord”?

God finds it difficult to part with the Jews who have been so actively involved in seven days of celebration
God asks the Jews to “tarry” a little longer and continue to celebrate
This holiday is a celebration of the close relationship between God and the people of Israel
All of the above

Question 4 of 10

Simchat Torah is traditionally what type of holiday?

A holiday filled with joy, laughter, and celebration
A holiday in which is it most important to repent for sins
A holiday for blotting out the sound of the names of those who tried to destroy the Jews
A holiday for celebrating Jewish continuity and the creation of the State of Israel

Question 5 of 10

What does Shemini Atzeret mean?

The Harvest Festival
The New Moon Festival
The Day of Judgment
The Eighth Day of Assembly

Question 6 of 10

How many circles or circuits around the room are done in a Simchat Torah celebration?

Question 7 of 10

When did the Simchat Torah tradition of reading the final Torah portion of the previous year and the first Torah portion of the next year begin?

Biblical times
Talmudic times
Medieval times
The Haskalah, the Jewish Enlightenment

Question 8 of 10

What is the name of the prayer recited before the dancing begins on Simchat Torah?

Akdamut
Hoshana
Atta Horeita
Dayenu

Question 9 of 10

True or false: Shemini Atzeret is a one-day festival in traditional Diaspora communities and a two-day holiday in Israel and in many liberal Diaspora communities.

True
False

Question 10 of 10

In recent times, how have synagogues made Simchat Torah a very "child-friendly" holiday?

Giving out candy to children
Inviting all the children up for a group aliyah
Giving out flags to children
All of the above