Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret in Israel
Israel observes Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah together on 22 Tishrei, the day after the seven days of Sukkot. The holiday brings the annual Torah-reading cycle to a close and begins it again, with singing and dancing with Torah scrolls in synagogues.[1]
Date and legal status
The holiday falls on 22 Tishrei, the eighth day following Sukkot. Israel’s government calendar identifies Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah as one day; outside Israel, the two observances fall on consecutive days.[1] The Gregorian date changes from year to year.
Israel’s employment guide lists Simchat Torah among the Jewish festivals that are legal holidays. The Ministry of Labor defines Jewish festivals as part of the weekly rest period for Jewish employees. Work may still be allowed in specified sectors or with a special permit, so an individual employee’s arrangements depend on the applicable employment rules.[2][3]
Meaning and origins
Shmini Atzeret means the eighth day of assembly and follows Sukkot. Simchat Torah celebrates completing the annual public reading of the Torah and starting the cycle again with Genesis. In Israel, both meanings belong to the same holiday date.[1]
In communities outside Israel, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed on separate consecutive days. Israel’s one-day observance places the close of Sukkot and the celebration of the Torah-reading cycle together.[1]
How people observe it
Synagogues hold hakafot, processions in which people carry Torah scrolls while singing and dancing. The celebration marks the end of the reading cycle, including the final portion of Deuteronomy, and its restart with the opening portion of Genesis.[1]
These are synagogue customs, and the government calendar describes the observance without prescribing one form of celebration for every community. Ask local communities about customs, events and food traditions.[1]
Work, services and travel
The holiday’s legal status affects work schedules, but it does not mean every workplace or service follows the same hours. Labor rules allow some work during weekly rest periods in specified fields, including hotels, hospitals and pharmacies, and employers may seek permits in certain circumstances.[2][3]
There is no single nationwide rule for shop opening hours or public transport on Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret in Israel; arrangements vary by provider.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Are Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah on the same day in Israel?
Yes. In Israel they are observed together on 22 Tishrei. Outside Israel, they are observed on consecutive days.[1]
Is it a public holiday and a day off work?
What happens at synagogue?
A central custom is hakafot: carrying Torah scrolls in processions accompanied by singing and dancing. The holiday also marks the completion and immediate restart of the annual Torah-reading cycle.[1]
Will shops and public transport be open?
Shop opening hours and public transport timetables vary by business and operator on Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret in Israel.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Simchat Torah/ Shmini Atzeret in Israel:
- Weekly Diary for New Immigrants 2022–2023- Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, State of Israel
- Employment- State of Israel
- Request for a Permit to Employ Workers on Weekly Rest Days, Overtime or Night Work- Ministry of Labor, State of Israel