Simhat Torah

Freedom under fire: Independence Day and the shared song of Israel-Iran resilience - opinion

This Independence Day will be infused with the knowledge that Israel has the power to withstand those who seek to destroy it

AN ISRAELI flag seen next to a sign pointing toward a protected space outside Mahaneh Yehuda Market in Jerusalem.
Members of the Agranat Commission investigate the military’s failures in the prelude to the Yom Kippur War.

Fifty years on, Israel repeats previous mistakes leading to the October 7 massacre - opinion

An illustrative image of a man reaching for medicine in a medicine cabinet.

Miracle in the medicine cabinet: A Simchat Torah story of healing and joy - opinion

PEOPLE MARK the conclusion of Simchat Torah at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv last week, even as the clock continues to tick, still awaiting the return of hostages killed in captivity in Gaza. Simchat Torah was a mix of emotions this year, the writer notes.

Going it alone: Israel’s healing won’t come from the world—it must come from within - opinion


Oct. 7 and Simchat Torah: Listening to the symphony of life - opinion

As we move away from Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, mostly what I am feeling now is… fascination. I am mesmerized by the ability we humans have of juggling.

A person is seen standing before an Israeli flag.

Orthodox Union’s Rabbi Moshe Hauer dies of sudden heart attack at age 60

The Orthodox Union (OU) announced on Wednesday the passing of Rabbi Moshe Hauer over the Shmini Atzeret holiday.

 Rabbi Moshe Hauer with President Isaac Herzog

Simchat Torah 5786: A joyful return and reflection on the hostages - opinion

This Simchat Torah, the release of hostages sparked joy and a shift in attitudes across Israel.

 REJOICING IN  the Torah at  Tel Aviv’s Rabin  Square.

Balancing joy with mourning: Simchat Torah is more complicated now - editorial

After two years of prayers, protests, and an unwavering determination that at times brought the country to a standstill, 20 families were made whole again.

Former hostage arrives in Sheba Medical Center, two years after being captured by Hamas,on October 13, 2025.

Hoshana Raba: A day of salvation and return for Israel's hostages - analysis

On Hoshana Raba, the final day of Sukkot, Israel celebrates the return of hostages after two years in captivity.

A woman in the colors of the US flag holds up a placard thanking US President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square on October 9, 2025

A nation of one: From personal tragedy to national mourning on Simchat Torah - opinion

We are part of an ongoing circle of life; no one individual in this circle is more “central” than anyone else.

SGT. ARI WEISS: ‘The image of Ari lifting that heavy Torah high above his head and dancing with it is forever imprinted on my soul.’

Simchat Torah: From torn shoes to a crown of majesty

The great secret of the Jewish people has always been the ability to join tear to tear, soul to soul, until together they form a whole garment once again.

Soldiers dance with Torah scrolls during the celebrations of Simhat Torah in the Eshkol region in the Negev in September 2010.

October 7 and Simchat Torah: The arc of fragility - opinion

A holiday meant to celebrate joy and spiritual renewal became the darkest day in recent Jewish history.

 People gather and light candles to remember the Israeli victims of the October 7 massacre at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, October 12, 2023.

'Acharei Hachagim': A diary entry from after the holidays in Israel

A look in the life of an Israeli resident the day after the Tishrei holiday season ends.

 Signs calling for the freedom of hostages are seen in Tel Aviv.

The intangibles of the war can’t be measured - opinion

A week of festivity was quickly turned into a week of funerals, and joy was turned into sadness.

 AVIAD NEIMAN, a father of four little children and husband to a young wife, fell a few hours before Simchat Torah this year in Lebanon.