Two names, different meanings
Shemini Atzeret begins on 22 Tishrei, after the seven days of Sukkot, as a festival in its own right. It is associated with the prayer for rain in the land of Israel. Simchat Torah celebrates completing the annual Torah reading and beginning again with Bereshit, Genesis.
Why dates can differ
In Israel, both are celebrated on the same day. Many diaspora communities observe Shemini Atzeret on 22 Tishrei and Simchat Torah on the 23rd; Reform communities commonly combine them into one day. The custom of continuing to eat in the sukkah also varies.
What a celebration looks like
Simchat Torah includes hakafot: processions with Torah scrolls, singing and dancing. Participation takes different forms in different communities. Ask about the program, children’s activities and admission; you do not need to know how to dance or read Hebrew to ask how to join.
Where to go in Buenos Aires
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See dates in the calendar
Check the dates and confirm times and customs with your community.
See dates in the calendarEditorial approach
This guide summarizes practices that can vary across communities, families, and movements. We compare institutional references from different traditions and avoid presenting one custom as universal.