Simchat Torah Video

Once a year the synagogue becomes a dance floor and the Torah becomes our dance partner.

Watch a taste of Shazak, and discover why we dance on Simchat Torah, and who truly owns the Torah? Geared for kids... Great for adults!

The straight-forward meaning of the words ‘Simchat Torah’ is ‘the joy of the Torah’. But surely the point is our joy with Torah, not the Torah’s joy?! This class explores the essence of Simchat Torah and why it is the culmination of the holidays that forge the foundation for the year to come.

Before the Torah was given, it existed as “black fire written upon white fire.” This is alluded to by the unusual term “eish-dat,” which is written as one word but read as two.

The holiday of Sukkot culminates with the days of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, where we celebrate the completion of the Torah. Learn five levels of meaning behind this most joyous day.

Learn how the verse Torah Tzivah in the last Torah portion, which describes Torah as an unforsaken inheritance, conveys the theme of Simchat Torah. Understanding the level of joy on Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot, together with the advantage of Teshuvah, sheds light on the joy of Simchat Torah.

Discover the mystical dimension of this most joyous day.

On Simchat Torah we complete the yearly cycle of Torah readings, and celebrate by dancing with the Torah.

Mendel Greenbaum recalls how the Rebbe waited to begin the Simchas Torah celebrations until the last of the Chasidim who had gone out on the Rebbe’s directive to spread the joy of the festival, had returned to 770. (1954)

The Rebbe advises someone to dance on Simchat Torah to help bring physical healing.

Why the rabbi praised the man who was drunk on Yom Kippur.

We all struggle with our egos, our need for attention. To “make it” we try to stand out and be significant. Paradoxically, we experience tremendous joy and holiness when we can unite with our brothers and sisters. There are special times and ways of celebration that help us tap into that beautiful oneness we all share at our core.

After reading the Torah for a year, here is how we finally conclude…

Joy is synonymous with the holidays of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. But why? What triggers this jubilation?

Celebrating how Torah infuses us with vitality.

Why don't we celebrate Simchas Torah at the time the Torah was given? Where do we see the special message of Simchas Torah in the parsha of VeZos HaBerachah?

This special edition features seven voices deeply affected since October 7th, including IDF officers, a volunteer medic, and a father of a hostage in Gaza. Let their stories of resilience and hope inspire you.

The Jewish anniversary of Oct. 7 is Simchat Torah. How do you celebrate Simchat Torah on the anniversary of a massacre?

A message of love following seven months of isolation.

A lively and joyous Simchas Torah tune that is attributed to the Rebbe’s father, R’ Levi Yitzchok. From a live performance in Petach Tikva, Israel: sung by Simche Friedman with violinist Shimmy Veishandler.