Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

The seven day festival of Sukkot is followed immediately by Shemini Atzeret, which literally means the “Eighth Day of Assembly.”  In the Diaspora, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed on two consecutive days. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day.

Shemini Atzeret

Shemini Atzeret marks the start of the winter prayer for rain in Israel. It 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.

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah Services

Saturday, Oct 3, 10am – Shemini Atzeret Service, as part of the Shabbat morning services.
Saturday, Oct 3, 6:30pm  –  Erev Simchat Torah. After a brief service, we dance with the Torahs and the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band. (KRS students should go to thus Simchat Torah celebration; KRS classes are canceled on Sunday, October 4.)
Sunday, Oct 4, 10am   –  Simchat Torah Morning Service – More dancing with the Maxwell Street Klelzmer Band! (Replaces minyan.)

These services are in person and streamed on YouTube, Facebook, and Zoom, and use same the Zoom ID and siddur as the Shabbat morning services. Registration is not necessary.