Simchat Torah means to Rejoice with the Torah. It is a joyous holiday celebrating the Jewish love of the Torah and study. It marks the end of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings and the beginning of the new cycle.
Simchat Torah is celebrated by taking all the Torah scrolls out of the ark in the synagogue and spending the evening dancing, singing, and rejoicing. The scrolls are carried around the sanctuary in seven circles called hakafot. Though only seven circles are required, the dancing and celebrating usually go on much longer. It is also customary to drink alcohol on the holiday as a celebratory experience. Many people also take the Torah scrolls out to the street and dance publicly as a way of showing their pride as Jews.
Watch this wonderful animated film from BimBam explaining Simchat Torah
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