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SIMCHAT TORAH
THE BEGINNING
WHAT IS SIMCHAT TORAH AND WHY DO WE CELEBRATE IT?
Simchat Torah is the final festival of the month of Tishrei. On Simchat Torah the last portion of the Torah is read then we start reading from the beginning again. We do this to show the never-ending cycle of Torah learning.
Simchat Torah is a very happy festival. In synagogue all the Torah scrolls are taken from the Ark and carried around the synagogue. These are called the 'hakafot'. Each Torah scroll is paraded around seven times. We rejoice, sing and dance with the Torahs. In this way we reconnect with the Torah and our Jewish way of life.
Children are given gifts of lollies and fruit because it is stated in the Torah that the "commandments of the Lord are sweeter than honey." The sweetness of the lollies reminds us of the sweetness and joy the Torah brings.
SIMCHAT TORAH FACTS
. There are 7 hakkafot on Erev (the night beginning) Simchat Torah.
. The Torah is read on 3 days a week, throughout the year and on special holidays as well.
. The Torah is made up of the 5 Books of Moses.
. It takes 1 year to read the entire Torah.
. During the morning service on Simchat Torah 2 portions of the Torah are read.
. Simchat Torah is the only time when people under the age of 13 are allowed to recite a blessing over the Torah.
DRESSING THE TORAH
Let's take a closer look at how the Torah appears as it is carried around the synagogue. Each Torah is 'dressed' with 4 special items.
THE MANTLE - ME'IL
This is the Torah covering. We dress the Torah in it.
TORAH CROWNS - RIMONIM
The rimonim are two small crowns which are placed on each of the Torah rollers. They have small, shiny bells on them.
THE POINTER - YAD
When the Torah is placed on the bimah the yad is used instead of a finger, to point to the words.
BREAST PLATE - HOSHEN
The front of the Torah is decorated with a silver breast plate.
SISU VE'SIMCHU
This is a happy song that is often sung in synagogue on Simchat Torah.
Sisu ve'simchu be'Simchat Torah
Utnu kavod la Torah
Let us be happy and joyful on Simchat Torah
And let's honour the Torah
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