These two Holy Days are commonly thought of as part of "The Feast of Tabernacles", but that is technically incorrect; Shemini Atzeret (The eight day of Assembly) is a Holy Day in its own right and does not involve some of the special observances of Tabernacles. Our dwelling in the Tabernacle (tent) is more limited.
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| Torah:Deuteronomy 14:22- Deuteronomy 16:17 Numbers 29:35 - Numbers 30:1
Prophet: Zechariah 14: 1-21
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This Holy Day means that Our Creator is a host, who invites us as visitors for a limited time, but when the time comes for us to leave, He has enjoyed himself so much that He asks us to stay another day. The Feast of Tabernacles is a "Holy Day" intended for all of all, but when Tabernacle is over, the Creator invites the Hebrew Israelites to stay for an extra day, for a more intimate celebration.
October 25, 2016
Simchat Torah means "Rejoicing in the Torah." This Holy Day marks the completion of the annual cycle of Torah Readings. Each week we read a few chapters from the Torah, starting with Genesis Ch. 1 and working our way around to Deuteronomy 34. On Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah), we read the last Torah portion, then proceed immediately to the first chapter of Genesis, reminding us that the Torah is a circle, and never ends.
This completion of the readings is a time of great celebration. There are processions around The Temple carrying Torah and plenty of high-spirited singing and dancing in the synagogue with the Torahs. Drinking is also common during this time; in fact, a traditional source recommends performing the priestly blessing earlier than usual in the service, to make sure the Ministers are not drunk when the time comes! As many people as possible are given the honor of a blessing over the Torah reading in fact, even children are called for a blessing on Simchat Torah. In addition, as many people as possible are given the honor of carrying a Torah scroll in these processions. Children do not carry the scrolls (they are much too heavy!), but often follow the procession around the synagogue, sometimes carrying small toy Torahs (stuffed plush toys or paper scrolls).
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are Holy Days on which work is not permitted.
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