Simchat Torah - History

History

The name Simchat Torah was not used until a relatively late time. In the Talmud (Meg. 31b) it is called Shemini Atzeret. The Code of Jewish Law states the custom of Simchat Torah is ancient.

The Darchei Moshe (OC 669:3) cites a responsum from R' Joseph Colon (#26) who found a geonic responsum mentioning the custom of dancing on Simchat Torah, thus dating the current practice of dancing on Simchat Torah back to the geonic period ('שו"ת מהרי"ק, סימן ט). Although there is generally a prohibition against dancing on the Sabbath and festivals, this was evidently relaxed for the sake of the honor of the Torah.

In the 9th century, some European Jewish communities assigned a special reading from the Prophets to be read on this day. In the 14th century, the reading of Genesis was added immediately upon the completion of Deuteronomy. In southern European countries it then became a general practice to remove all the Torah scrolls from the ark, and to sing a separate hymn for each scroll. In northern European countries, those who had finished the reading of Deuteronomy made donations to the synagogue, after which the wealthier members of the community would give a dinner for friends and acquaintances. By the end of the 15th century, it was a common though not universal practice for the children to tear down and burn the sukkahs on Simchat Torah (Maharil, cited in OC Darchei Moshe 669:3);

In the 16th century, the practice of taking out the scrolls and filing solemnly around the bimah on the night of the 23nd of Tishri became customary; and on the same evening, after the procession, a number of passages from the Torah were read.

In the 17th century, Rebecca bat Meir Tiktiner of Prague composed a poem about Simhat Torah.

In Poland it was the custom to sell to the members of the congregation, on the 23nd of Tishri, the privilege of executing various functions during the services on Shabbat and Jewish festivals; i.e., the synagogue used this occasion as a fund-raiser. People who made these donations were called up to the Torah and given a congregational blessing.

It became a custom for every male member of the congregation to read from the Torah, the passage Deut. 33:1-29 being repeated as many times as was necessary for this purpose. Today this practice is still followed in Orthodox synagogues; Conservative synagogues adapt this practice by also including women. One person is given the privilege of completing the reading of the Law with Deut. 34:1-12; he receives the name of Chatan Torah (bridegroom of the Torah). Our sages have taught, that a new beginning must immediately follow completion. So, after the Chatan Torah comes the member who recommences the reading of the Torah with Gen. 1. He is called the Chatan Bereshit (bridegroom of Genesis). Receiving the first aliyah of the Torah is propitious for success in all undertakings both spiritual as well as material. It is considered by some to be the most special Aliyah of the year.