Simchat Torah 2026: What exactly are we so joyous about?

Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday that marks the completion of the annual cycle of Torah reading and the beginning of a new cycle. It is a joyous occasion where the portion of Vezot Habracha is read, followed immediately by the beginning of the first portion, Bereshit. This uninterrupted flow between the end and the start of the Torah is meant to convey that the conclusion is not an end, but a gateway to a fresh start.

According to Rabbi Yaakov ben Rabbeinu Asher, Simchat Torah is called as such because it represents the completion of the Torah and the joy that comes with it. The tradition is to begin reading Bereshit right after Vezot Habracha to discourage Satan from accusing the Jewish people of abandoning the Torah. This symbolic act signifies the importance of learning and reading the Torah continuously.

The joy of Simchat Torah is not limited to those who regularly study Torah. In fact, even someone who rarely opens the Torah can find a connection to the holiday. Rabbi Asher tells a story about a villager dancing with the Torah scroll, singing praises to it, to demonstrate that the joy of Simchat Torah is connected to the Torah itself, not just to the individual.

The joy is about the Torah's presence within the Jewish people, the connection it creates between the nation and God, and the continuous tradition passed down through generations.

Another interpretation of Simchat Torah joy is that it is not merely a reflection of existing joy, but the joy itself that creates a connection. When a person dances with the Torah, they bring themselves into the celebration, even if they are new to Torah study. This act of rejoicing can open the heart and pave the way for a deeper connection with Torah in the future.

This concept has significant educational value. Children who observe their parents dancing joyfully with the Torah learn that the Torah is not just a set of obligations, but a source of life and happiness. Even if a parent has not fully integrated Torah study into their daily routine, their joyous expression can inspire a child's future interest in Torah.

However, one might question how someone who does not feel connected to the world of Torah can participate in and enjoy Simchat Torah. Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner, in his book Pahad Yitzchak, shares a story about two students of the Hiddushei HaRim, the first Gerrer rebbe, who danced with great enthusiasm on Simchat Torah. One student had studied Torah extensively, while the other had not.

The rebbe observed that the student who grew tired was celebrating past achievements, while the other student continued dancing with joy for the Torah yet to come. This illustrates that the joy of Simchat Torah is primarily about the potential for new learning and growth, rather than merely reflecting past accomplishments.