Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

The seven day festival of Sukkot is followed immediately by Shemini Atzeret, which literally means the “Eighth Day of Assembly.”  Shemini Atzeret is celebrated as a two day holiday in the Diaspora, where it is followed by Simchat Torah. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day. Shemini Atzeret marks the start of the winter prayer for rain in Israel. 

Shemini Atzeret

Shemini Atzeret is one of four times a year when Yizkor, the Jewish memorial service, is recited. When it falls on Sunday or a weekday, Morning Minyan is replaced by a festival service that begins at 10am.

In the diaspora, Shemini Atzeret 2026 / 5787 begins in the evening of October 2, and ends at sundown of October 3, 2026.

Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah marks the end of the annual Torah reading cycle and the beginning of the cycle for the coming year. It is celebrated with singing, dancing, and merry processions of people carrying Torahs and children waving flags. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day.

In the Diaspora, Simchat Torah is the day after Shemini Atzeret. Simchat Torah 2026 / 5787 begins at sundown on Saturday, October 3, and ends at sundown on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are Yom Tov

Yom Tov (Hebrew: יום טוב) literally translates to “good day.” Like Shabbat, these are days when Jews are largely prohibited from working. Hebcal has more on Jewish holidays and yom tov here.

The temple office is always closed on Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. The temple building is closed except during services.