Simhat Torah

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

I’m sure I have some meds that I don’t need anymore, and a few more that have probably expired, but I’m grateful that my hoarding mentality may have inadvertently saved a life. 

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

Einav Zangauker at celebrations at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as negotiators sign deal freeing all hostages from Gaza, October 09, 2025.

Beyond the headlines: What the freed hostages teach us about Jewish resilience - opinion

Lala Levi lights Simchat Torah candles alongside her ‘chavrutah’ (study partner) at Kesher Yehudi’s Jerusalem retreat for Nova survivors.

Kesher Yehudi: A Simchat Torah experience for Nova festival survivors


Reflections on Simhat Torah and ‘simha B’Torah’

It’s instructive to explore the background of Simhat Torah. Doing so allows us to decide how to express our personal delight and happiness in Torah in a variety of ways

 WOMEN DANCE with a Torah on Simhat Torah at the the Tel Aviv Port in 2019.

Simhat Torah was included as a 'new' holiday. Could we add more?

If a holiday can be added to the Hebrew calendar millennia after Revelation, why can we not add holidays that address the issues of our own time and be recognized by all Jews?

A SIMHAT Torah flag, waved jauntily during hakafot.

Hoshana Raba, Simhat Torah: What you need to know about the holiday

A rundown of the rules, times, history, and meaning of the unique Jewish holidays.

Israeli jews dance as they hold a Scroll of a Torah during Simhat Torah celebrations at Habima Square, Tel Aviv. The worshippers are marking the end of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah and the beginning of the next cycle. October 10, 2020. Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash90

Bennett to eschew Netanyahu-style props at UN

The core message of the speech will be to defend Israel against the double standards it faces.

 Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends a memorial ceremony for the fallen Israeli soldiers of the 1973 Yom Kippur war, at the National Hall of Remembrance, Mount Herzl, Jerusalem. September 19, 2021.

Grapevine: October 14, 2020: Shades of black

The movers and shakers of Israeli society.

President Reuven Rivlin, flanked by Social Equality Minister Meirav Cohen and Yehuda Meshi-Zahav.

Haredim in Jerusalem, Modi'in Illit violate coronavirus restrictions

Major violations took place among the centers of hassidic sects in the Mea She'arim neighborhood of Jerusalem, as well as in several synagogues in Modi'in Illit.

POLICE IN Jerusalem detain a haredi protester last week.

Haredim board buses disguised as protesters to violate COVID restrictions

The main center of violations was the Mea She'arim neighborhood of Jerusalem, which saw hundreds of participants singing and dancing in crowds, ignoring social distancing measures.

Buses on a Public transport route in Jerusalem on March 16, 2020.

Orthodox group sues Cuomo over NY religious gathering restrictions

The lawsuit filed in Brooklyn in U.S. District Court seeks a restraining order on restrictions Cuomo announced on Tuesday, a declaration that Cuomo’s order is unconstitutional and legal costs.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a daily briefing following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Manhattan in New York City, New York, US, July 13, 2020.

Simhat Torah candle-lighting times for Israel and US

See Simhat Torah times for your area.

Shabbat candles

Senior ultra-Orthodox rabbis call to reduce dancing on Simhat Torah

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky and Rabbi Gershon Edelstein instruct not to hold hands during traditional holiday dancing, not to kiss Torah scrolls, and to keep distance ‘as far as possible.’

‘HAVING CHOSEN God, the Torah is God’s response to us.’ Pictured: The Yanov Torah, rescued from the Holocaust.