Simhat Torah
Description
The two days following Sukkot are often considered part of the “season of joy” that begins with Sukkot. These are the holidays of Shemini Atzeret (“Eighth Day Assembly”) and Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing in the Torah”). The origin of the name “Shemini Atzeret” is unclear; some theologians cite a story in which a king held a seven-day feast, and when his children began to leave, he urged them to stay one more day.
Jewish sages decided that the annual cycle of Torah reading in synagogues would conclude on the evening of Shemini Atzeret. Thus, it is also associated with the celebration of completing the Torah reading. In Israel, both holidays are celebrated simultaneously.
