Discover a Jewish tradition
📜 Simchat Torah for kids
Simchat Torah means rejoicing in the Torah. Communities finish the annual cycle of reading the Torah and begin again with Genesis. The ending becomes a new beginning, like returning to a much-loved book.
Many synagogues celebrate with singing and processions called hakafot, carrying Torah scrolls. Children may carry a small flag or join a circle with an adult. Practices differ, so ask your local community what to expect.
In Israel, Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret share the same day. In many communities outside Israel, Simchat Torah is the following day. The date selector makes that distinction explicit.
Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
Begins: Sat, October 3, 2026 at sunset
Ends: Sun, October 4, 2026 at nightfall
2027
Begins: Sat, October 23, 2027 at sunset
Ends: Sun, October 24, 2027 at nightfall
Dates begin on the preceding evening. Candle lighting is before sunset when welcoming Shabbat; exact local times require a location. These dates are not candle-lighting times.
Calendar reference: Hebcal holiday calendar. Dates are calculated with the site's Hebrew calendar conversion.
A blessing to learn together
Welcoming the festival
Festival practice differs between Israel and communities abroad. Ask your community about when it is said.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Transliteration
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, shehecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigianu lazman hazeh.
Meaning in English
Blessed are You, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this time.
Traditional Hebrew wording reused from the site's blessing collection; English translation written for this page. This is a learning excerpt, not a complete service. The Hebrew spelling ה׳ stands for the divine name; follow your teacher's practice when learning aloud.
Simchat Torah coloring pages
Match the holiday words
Learn four words in English and Hebrew. Point to each pair together before trying the mixed-up version. The second printed page is an answer key.
Torah — תורה
Torah scroll — ספר תורה
flag — דגל
joy — שמחה
Frequently asked questions
Is Simchat Torah another day of Sukkot?
It follows Sukkot and celebrates the Torah reading cycle. It is linked with Shemini Atzeret, rather than being one of the seven days of Sukkot.
Can I print the Simchat Torah activities?
Yes. The word match includes a separate answer page, and each coloring drawing has its own print or PDF button. Prepare materials in advance if your family avoids writing or printing on the holiday.
Why do some dates differ between Israel and abroad?
Some festivals have an additional day in many communities outside Israel. Use the calendar selector and follow your local community calendar.
Explore more: All Jewish holidays, and Learn Hebrew letters.