What is the difference between Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah?
On Shemini Atzeret, the prayer for rain is recited, officially kicking off the rainy season for Israel. On Simchat Torah, Jews complete their annual, public reading of the weekly Torah portion and subsequently start back up with Genesis 1.
What is the Torah reading for Shemini Atzeret?
On Shemini Atzeret, in the Eastern Ashekanzic rite, Deuteronomy 14:22–16:17 is read. This is also the reading for the eighth day of Passover and the second day of Shavuot (which occur only in the diaspora).
Which comes first Simchat Torah or Shemini Atzeret?
Commonly, only the first day is referred to as Shemini Atzeret, while the second is called Simchat Torah. Karaite Jews and Samaritans also observe Shemini Atzeret, as they do all Biblical holidays.
Why is Shemini Atzeret Simchat Torah celebrated?
They are celebrated as one day in Israel and two days in the Diaspora. The precise meaning of Shemini Atzeret is unclear, but it is thought to be a time of bonding between God and the Jewish people. Simchat Torah is a festive and joyful celebration of the Jewish people’s love of and commitment to Torah.
What is Shemini Atzeret and how is it celebrated?
Shemini Atzeret, (Hebrew: “Eighth Day of the Solemn Assembly”), a Jewish religious festival on the eighth day of Sukkoth (Feast of Booths), considered by some to be an independent celebration immediately following Sukkoth.
What is prohibited on Simchat Torah?
SIMCHAT TORAH – Holy Day. No work, writing, commerce or travel is permitted. CHANUKAH – Festival. There are no prohibitions on this holiday.
What should I say on Simchat Torah?
The greeting for Simchat Torah is simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday).
Do we say Hallel on Shemini Atzeret?
As on any festival (similar to Shabbat) up to the amidah , which is for Shemini Atzeret (with Shabbat additions if applicable), followed by Hallel .
Is Sukkot 7 or 8 days?
In the Bible, Passover and Sukkot are seven days and Shavuot is one day. In America, for Orthodox Jews, the number of days goes up by one for each.
Why do Jews celebrate Simchat Torah?
Simchat Torah (Rejoicing with the Torah) marks the end of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings and the beginning of the new cycle. It is a joyous holiday that celebrates the Jewish love of Torah and study.
What does shemini mean in Hebrew?
eighth
Shemini is a Hebrew word that means “eighth”, and may refer to: Shemini (parsha), the 26th weekly Torah portion. Shemini Atzeret, a Jewish holiday.
Can we cook on Shemini Atzeret?
Cooking and carrying outdoors are permitted (unless it is also Shabbat). According to Jewish custom, Shemini Atzeret features the prayer for rain and a good harvest for the coming year in the Jewish calendar. We recite the prayers for rain and Yizkor, the prayer to remember the souls of the departed.
Can you work during Simchat Torah?
SIMCHAT TORAH – Holy Day. No work, writing, commerce or travel is permitted. CHANUKAH – Festival.
How do you respond to Shalom?
The traditional greeting among Jews is shalom aleichem, peace unto you; to which the response is aleichem shalom, to you, peace.
Is Hallel said on Simchat Torah?
Full Hallel
It is a Jewish prayer recited on the first two nights and days of Pesach (only the first night and day in Israel), on Shavuot, all seven days of Sukkot, on Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, and on the eight days of Hanukkah.
Is Yizkor said on Shemini Atzeret?
Over the years, Yizkor became a service to remember our own loved ones as well as the Jewish martyrs. About 400 years ago this service was added to the liturgy of Pesach, Shemini Atzeret, and Shavuot. One usually says Yizkor on the first holiday after the death.
What is forbidden during Sukkot?
Specifically, all activities normally forbidden on Shabbat are also forbidden on the first two days of Sukkot with the exception of cooking, baking, transferring fire, and carrying things around. During this time, people observing the holiday are encouraged to spend time praying and celebrating with their families.
What food is eaten on Sukkot?
Sukkot meal inspiration can come from the harvest origin of the holiday, and meals can include fresh fruits and vegetables, or other harvest-related ingredients. Of course, challah, chicken soup, and kugels are traditional Jewish foods that can be served on Sukkot (or any time of the year).
Who is the founder of Judaism?
Abraham
According to the text, God first revealed himself to a Hebrew man named Abraham, who became known as the founder of Judaism. Jews believe that God made a special covenant with Abraham and that he and his descendants were chosen people who would create a great nation.
When did the Torah end?
Date of compilation. The final Torah is widely seen as a product of the Persian period (539–333 BCE, probably 450–350 BCE). This consensus echoes a traditional Jewish view which gives Ezra, the leader of the Jewish community on its return from Babylon, a pivotal role in its promulgation.
Is Shemini Atzeret a Yom Tov?
Shemini Atzeret is a hard holiday to understand. It has its own identity and its own name. It is Shemini, the eighth day of Sukkot, and it is a day of “atzeret,” of gathering.
Can you cook on Shemini Atzeret?
Can you cook on the first day of Sukkot?
Specifically, all activities normally forbidden on Shabbat are also forbidden on the first two days of Sukkot with the exception of cooking, baking, transferring fire, and carrying things around.
Is it OK to say shalom aleichem?
The appropriate response is aleichem shalom (“unto you peace”) (Hebrew: עֲלֵיכֶם שָׁלוֹם). The plural form “עֲלֵיכֶם” is used even when addressing one person. This form of greeting is traditional among Jews throughout the world. The greeting is more common among Ashkenazi Jews.
What does La Heim mean?
to life
L’chaim! This Hebrew word meaning “to life” is oft-heard when toasting health and happiness.