Simhat Torah

Are there other lessons from October 7? - opinion

The October 7 massacre fell on 22 Tishrei – Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, two days that signify the highest joy: one completing the festival of Sukkot, the other our rejoicing in the Torah itself

Rabbi Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi delivers a torah lesson at Ateret Yisrael Yeshiva in Jerusalem, November 19, 2019.
An ultra-Orthodox jew prays at the Westen Wall July 17, 2002 on Tisha B'Av

The breached walls we must rebuild this Seventeenth of Tamuz - opinion

The wedding of Miriam Shani and Ofek Dotan at the Kedar sheep farm near Ma'ale Adumim, June 2026.

Beyond the Headlines: A fallen soldier's widow remarries, stories of renewal inspire - opinion

AN ISRAELI flag seen next to a sign pointing toward a protected space outside Mahaneh Yehuda Market in Jerusalem.

Freedom under fire: Independence Day and the shared song of Israel-Iran resilience - opinion


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

This, I think, is the message of Simchat Torah: to hold firmly in one’s imagination the joyful possibility of a year made truly new.

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

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.