As the festival of Sukkos is about to end, two friends gather in the Sukkah to reflect on the unique customs, davening, and joyful celebrations of Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah.
The evening air felt cool as Reuven stepped out into his backyard, adjusting his jacket as he walked toward the Sukkah. Inside, his friend Aharon was already seated at the wooden table, looking up at the schach- the thatched roof- through which the first stars were beginning to shine.
Gut Yontif, Aharon!" Reuven greeted him, taking a seat across from his friend. "Can you believe we’re already at the end of Sukkos? It feels like we just finished building the Sukkah."
Gut Yontif, Reuven," Aharon smiled, pouring two glasses of grape juice. "Time really does fly. It’s always a bit bittersweet taking leave of Sukkos, isn't it? Even though tonight is Shemini Atzeres, a completely separate holiday, it still feels connected."
It really does," Reuven agreed, looking around the booth. "In fact, we’re still sitting and eating right here in the Sukkah, just like we have all week. The only difference is that we don't recite the Leishev BaSukkah blessing anymore."
"Right," Aharon nodded. Having Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah as a two-day holiday here in the diaspora really gives us extra time to take it all in, unlike in Israel where it's all combined into a single day."
Reuven leaned back, taking a sip from his glass. "True, though it certainly makes for a packed schedule! Are you ready for tomorrow morning's service?"
"I am," Aharon said, his tone turning a bit more reflective. "There is so much happening during the morning davening. First, we have Geshem, that special davening for rain during the morning service. It’s such a powerful shift in the liturgical year."
"And then after the Torah reading, we have Yizkor," Reuven added softly. "Recalling our deceased family members always brings a very solemn, meaningful pause to the joy of the holiday. I will be stepping out of the sanctuary for a few minutes during that part, since both of our parents are thankfully still alive, Boruch HaShem."
It’s a beautiful and respectful custom," Aharon said. "Before Yizkor, though, I’m really looking forward to the Torah readings themselves. Reading from Vayikra 22 and 23, Bamidbar 29, and Devarim 14 brings everything together so nicely. They cover the laws of the Moed, and celebrate the deep bond we have with HaShem, tying right back into the mitzvah of dwelling in our Sukkah."
Reuven smiled, his energy picking back up. "And then, once Shemini Atzeres come to an end, we dive straight into the pure simche of Simchas Torah! I can't wait for the Hakafos—taking all the Torah scrolls out of the ark and dancing seven times around Shul. The singing and energy in the room are so inspiring"
The Rebbe taught us about the Hakafos," Reuven said, his eyes lighting up. "He explained that this holiday is called Simchas Torah not just because we are happy with the Torah, but because the Torah itself wants to rejoice! The Rebbe said, 'The Torah is so happy that it wants to dance, but it has no feet to dance by itself. When a Jew dances, holding the Sefer Torah close to his heart, he becomes the feet of the dancing Sefer Torah.'"
That is such an incredible perspective," Aharon said, smiling. "Being the feet of the Torah makes every step of those circles feel even more meaningful. And my kids have been talking about the Hakafos all week too, they love waving their flags, and dancing al long us.
My son's too," Reuven laughed. "And the Torah service the next morning is the absolute highlight of the year. Everyone gets called up for an aliyah, and then we honor the Chatan Torah- the Groom of the Torah- who gets called up for the very final verses of Devarim to complete the scroll."
And immediately after that, without even pausing, we honor the Chatan Bereishit- the Groom of Genesis- who begins the new annual cycle from the very first verses of Bereishis," Reuven said enthusiastically. "It's such a tremendous honor for both of them, and it shows that our learning and connection to the Torah never truly end."
Plus, throughout both Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah, we get to keep enjoying our meals right here in the Sukkah, even without the "brachos" Aharon said. "And from a practical standpoint, it makes hosting so much easier. Since it's Yontif and not Shabbos, we're permitted to cook fresh food and carry things outdoors between the house and the Sukkah. Speaking of which, I think I smell dinner coming from your kitchen!"
Reuven laughed, standing up as the back door of his house swung open. "You have a good nose, Aharon. Let's wash up, make Kiddush, and celebrate the end of the festival together."