Simchat Torah

 
Simchat Torah Celebration and Shabbat Service

Friday, October 6, 2023
7:00 PM
Room 101 at the Winnetka Community House
(620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka)

Join us to celebrate both Shabbat and Simchat Torah as we once again rejoice in the completion of the annual Torah cycle and honor those in our congregation who have celebrated a simcha in the past year! We will listen to the end and the beginning of the Torah being chanted and dance to the sounds of Hakafa’s own Julian Solway joining Bibi Patt and a trio of her fellow Maxwell Street Klezmer Band musicians. The celebration will also include our annual Consecration Ceremony for students who are beginning their religious education. And, of course, there will be delicious treats at a special oneg. 

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/292137266
Meeting ID: 292 137 266
To Dial-In (no video): 312-626-6799

If you will be joining us via Zoom, go to this link for a copy of our special prayer book for Simchat Torah. You should either print it out ahead of time or have it up on another screen during our service.

Yizkor Service

Saturday, October 7, 2023
10:30 AM
Makom Solel Lakeside
(1301 Clavey Road, Highland Park)

Livestream Link: https://www.mymakom.org/live-streaming

Jewish tradition tells us that four times during the year, in addition to the anniversary of the death of a loved one, we are to recall the memories of those who have died. These four times, known as yizkor (remembrance), coincide with major holidays on the Jewish calendar. The last day of Sukkot, known as Shemini Atzeret, is one on which yizkor is traditionally recited. Please join us either in-person or via livestream as we share Yizkor services with Makom Solel Lakeside and Emanuel Congregation. Makom Solel Lakeside will host us, and the service will be followed by a short Kiddush. 

For those who are interested, there will be a Torah Study with Rabbi Serotta from 9:15 to 10:15 AM, immediately before the Yizkor Service. All are welcome.
 

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On the holiday of Simchat Torah, the annual reading of the Torah is completed and the cycle is immediately renewed in a grand celebration that includes dancing with the Torah and carrying flags in a parade-like fashion. We affirm that the Torah is central to the Jewish people. It is our heritage and our history. Its teachings have served as a bond, linking Jews, young and old, over many generations, over time and space, in every land we have lived.

Consecration
At Hakafa, we hold a ceremony of consecration during our Simchat Torah celebration. Consecration is a ceremony for children in Kindergarten, as well as first, second, and third graders who are beginning their religious school experience. It is a very special ceremony in which students are blessed as they start their formal Jewish education. Because Simchat Torah marks our finishing of the yearly cycle of Torah readings, as well as our turning to begin it once again, it is a fitting time to recognize these students’ entry into the never-ending process of Jewish learning.

Yizkor
Jewish tradition tells us that four times during the year, in addition to the anniversary of the death of a loved one, we are to recall the memories of those who have died. These four times, known as yizkor (remembrance), coincide with major holidays on the Jewish calendar. The last day of Sukkot, known as Shemini Atzeret, is one on which yizkor is traditionally recited. 

Learn more about Simchat Torah.