The day after Sukkot is also a holy day.


Jews outside of Israel split this day into 2 separate holy days: Shemini Atzeret and Simkhat Torah. In Israel both are celebrated on the same day.

Shemini Atzeret means "the assembly of the eighth (day)" and is also commanded by Scripture.

"On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Festival of Sukkot, seven days for HaShem ... on the eighth day, there shall be a holy convocation for you." [Leviticus 23:34]

The rabbis consider Sukkot a holiday which is open to all mankind. So after you riff-raff leave, , HaShem invites us to stay an extra day for a private celebration.

Simchat Torah is a celebration of the completion of the Torah cycle and the beginning of a new Torah cycle. The Torah is the first 5 books of the Old Testement combined into one long scroll. The holiday reminds the Jews that study of the Torah never ceases.

It's a very joyous holiday and my second favorite after Passover.