Simchat Torah

Customs & Symbols

Customs

• Removing Torah scrolls from the ark
  
• Carrying the Torah scrolls in joyful processions
  
• Dancing with the Torah
  
• Singing during the celebration
  
• Making seven circuits called hakafot
  
• Reading the final portion of Deuteronomy
  
• Immediately beginning the book of Genesis
  
• Giving special honors during the Torah readings
  
• Including children in the celebration
  
• Celebrating the continuing study of Torah

Symbols

• Torah scroll
  
• Ark
  
• Torah pointer
  
• Torah crown
  
• Flags carried by children
  
• Open scrolls of Deuteronomy and Genesis