Simhat Torah

Of mourning and morning: Toward a new understanding of Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah was never a festival of polarity. Happiness was never its sole emotion. Between death and creation, there is commemoration.

An illustrative image of hands reaching toward each other.
DANCING ON Simchat Torah at the Har Hamor Yeshiva in Jerusalem, in 2024.

Simchat Torah: Three ways to find joy in the holiday post-Oct. 7

WORSHIPERS PRAY in memory of the victims of the October 7th massacre and for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, on the morning of Simchat Torah, in Jerusalem, in 2024.

Simchat Torah: Celebrating and honoring authentic Jewish values

CELEBRANTS CARRY Torah scrolls as they dance during Simchat Torah at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv in 2024.

Light after October 7: A Simchat Torah reflection from an American Jew


Your Investments: Time to start all the tasks that have been put off until ‘after the chagim’

In Israel, the ultimate definition of procrastination is the concept of “after the chagim,” where no one can focus or make a decision on anything until after the High Holy Days season is over.

Close up cropped image young woman calculating monthly expenses.

My Word: Hopes and fears the day after the war - opinion

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I’m certain that in Jewish homes in Israel and around the world, candles will continue to be lit on Shabbat and religious holidays.

MEN CELEBRATE  Simchat Torah at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, on Tuesday. There will be light and hope.

Oct. 7 and Simchat Torah: Listening to the symphony of life - opinion

As we move away from Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, mostly what I am feeling now is… fascination. I am mesmerized by the ability we humans have of juggling.

A person is seen standing before an Israeli flag.

Orthodox Union’s Rabbi Moshe Hauer dies of sudden heart attack at age 60

The Orthodox Union (OU) announced on Wednesday the passing of Rabbi Moshe Hauer over the Shmini Atzeret holiday.

 Rabbi Moshe Hauer with President Isaac Herzog

Simchat Torah 5786: A joyful return and reflection on the hostages - opinion

This Simchat Torah, the release of hostages sparked joy and a shift in attitudes across Israel.

 REJOICING IN  the Torah at  Tel Aviv’s Rabin  Square.

Balancing joy with mourning: Simchat Torah is more complicated now - editorial

After two years of prayers, protests, and an unwavering determination that at times brought the country to a standstill, 20 families were made whole again.

Former hostage arrives in Sheba Medical Center, two years after being captured by Hamas,on October 13, 2025.

Hoshana Raba: A day of salvation and return for Israel's hostages - analysis

On Hoshana Raba, the final day of Sukkot, Israel celebrates the return of hostages after two years in captivity.

A woman in the colors of the US flag holds up a placard thanking US President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square on October 9, 2025

A nation of one: From personal tragedy to national mourning on Simchat Torah - opinion

We are part of an ongoing circle of life; no one individual in this circle is more “central” than anyone else.

SGT. ARI WEISS: ‘The image of Ari lifting that heavy Torah high above his head and dancing with it is forever imprinted on my soul.’

Simchat Torah: From torn shoes to a crown of majesty

The great secret of the Jewish people has always been the ability to join tear to tear, soul to soul, until together they form a whole garment once again.

Soldiers dance with Torah scrolls during the celebrations of Simhat Torah in the Eshkol region in the Negev in September 2010.

October 7 and Simchat Torah: The arc of fragility - opinion

A holiday meant to celebrate joy and spiritual renewal became the darkest day in recent Jewish history.

 People gather and light candles to remember the Israeli victims of the October 7 massacre at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, October 12, 2023.

'Acharei Hachagim': A diary entry from after the holidays in Israel

A look in the life of an Israeli resident the day after the Tishrei holiday season ends.

 Signs calling for the freedom of hostages are seen in Tel Aviv.