Simchat Torah

Shir Tikvah Sanctuary and on Zoom

Jews renew our relationship with Torah each year by bringing Torah out onto the dance floor. Torah is not just a text to be read but a living, dynamic force guiding our community and personal growth. 

Simchat Torah marks the end of our High Holy Day season, from the depths of grief of Tisha b’Av to the intensity of Yom Kippur, through the sweet harvest of Sukkot. On Simchat Torah, we read the last words of our Torah cycle for the last year (the closing lines of Deuteronomy), only to flow immediately into the opening words of creation in parashat Bereishit. 

The seven hakafot we undertake on Simchat Torah (dances with Torah) symbolize different facets of life and connection, each circle representing a unique aspect of blessing and renewal. By engaging with these circles, we open to a deeper, more intentional approach to how we relate to each other, to our joy, to our grief and to our communal commitments. Our relationships and aspirations can be as fluid and evolving as the dance itself.

We will begin Simchat Torah with a delicious meal. We will then begin our Simchat Torah ritual - with music, dancing and blessing.  We will close by unrolling the entire Torah and reading the beginning and end of our story.  Our music will be energized by our brand new Shir Tikvah Simcha Band, bringing us live klezmer songs and deep spirit. In song and movement, we will make space for the full range of hope, sorrow, and resilience as we reach towards what might be possible.

Simchat Torah is the seal of our High Holy Day season and launches us into the new year in earnest. We hope you will join us for a night of community connection and intentional ritual.