Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle

Simchat Torah is a significant Jewish holiday marking the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the immediate commencement of a new one. The celebration involves the public reading of the five books of the Torah, spanning 54 weekly sections over the course of a year.

Traditionally, the holiday is observed as a Yom Tov, meaning most work is prohibited, similar to the Sabbath, though cooking with existing fires is permitted. Observances often include lighting festive candles, attending synagogue for special prayers, holding ceremonial meals, and engaging in communal singing and dancing.

Historical traditions suggest that Moses introduced the ritual of public Torah reading on Sabbaths and holidays, while the priest Ezra later expanded these readings to Mondays, Thursdays, and Sabbath afternoons. The tradition of dancing during the celebration is noted to have emerged around the first century CE.