SHEMIN ATZERET
AND SIMCHAT TORAH
Following the seven joyous days of Sukkot, we come to the happy holiday of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. The first day is known by its biblical name, Shemini Atzeret. We still dwell in the sukkah, but without a blessing. The second day is known as Simchat Torah, during which we complete and immediately begin the annual Torah reading cycle. This joyous milestone is marked with dancing, traditionally following seven circuits known as Hakafot. Both days are celebrated by nightly candle lighting, festive meals, and desisting from work. In Israel, the entire holiday is compacted into one heady 24-hour period.
Schedule
Friday, October 9, 2020 Hoshana Rabba
7:30 am Special services and Hoshanat (willow branches are available at Chabad)
Shemini Atzeret begins Friday Eve, October 9, 2020
Candle lighting 6:06 pm
6:15 pm Mincha /Maariv and Hakafot
Followed by Dinner in the Sukkah RSVP
Shemini Atzeret: Shabbat Day, October 10, 2020
Services 9:30 am
Yizkor approximately 11:30 am
Followed by Holiday Lunch in the Sukkah RSVP
6:00 pm Mincha
Simchat Torah
6:45 pm Maariv
Candle lighting from a pre-existing flame after 7:03 pm
8:30 pm Hakafot in the safety of the outdoors!!!
Simchat Torah Day, Sunday, October 11, 2020
Shacharit 10 am
Hakafot
Conclusion of the Torah and the immediate beginning of the Torah anew
5:30 pm Mincha and farbrengen
followed by Maariv and Havdalah
Holiday ends: 7:02 pm