S mChaT TOraH

A New Beginning

Please accept this invitation to the best party in town — Simchat Torah.

Elizabeth Applebaum
AppleTree Editor

Torah Test

Can you answer these questions?

#1) The Torah has how many sec-
tions?

#2) Each Torah reading is called a:

#3) The word Torah means:

#4) The first word (in Hebrew) in
the Torah is:

I

is time to march, cheer, act a little crazy, jump up and down — and it has nothing to do with
sports. Simchat Torah marks our completion of the reading of the Torah, and this is indeed cause for
celebration. So get ready for a night of singing and dancing. Please accept this invitation to the big_

#5) Another name for the Torah is:

1 #6) The five books (in English) of
the Torah are:

event (RSVP not required):

You Are Cordially Invited ...

When:
Beginning after sundown Monday evening, Oct. 12 (the
23rd of Tishrei)

Where:
Your favorite synagogue or temple

What To Bring:
A flag to wave and a lot of energy. (celebrations often
go long into the night)

Dress:
Semi-formal (no tuxes required, but please look your
nicest)

Special events throughout the evening:

Tanach (Jewish'Bible).
* A line-by-line, responsive recitation of "Ata Hareita," a group of verses from the
* All the Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and worshippers holding the scrolls parade around the
sanctuary seven times in circuits called hakafot. Each circuit is capped off by dancing and singing.

* This is the only occasion that the Torah is read at night. At morning services, the previous evening's
procedures are repeated.

*For the last aliyah to the Torah reading, children of all ages are invited to the bimah, where they gath-
er under a canopy made of a tallit held aloft by adults. They all recite the bracha, blessing, for reading
the Torah. This is called kol ha-ne'arim, "all the youth." Afterwards, in many congregations, the children

are showered with candy.

* It is traditional that everyone in the synagogue, member or not, receives an aliyah to the Torah on
Simchat Torah. If you want to be among the first to be called up, expect to pay — literally. Many con-
gregations use Simchat Torah as a fund-raising day and auction off the first aliyot. Donations: may be
made to your favorite dentist, in the form of a large check. Often, congregations pass out bags filled
with candy to the youngest members. After munching on these all evening and through the day, your lit-

tle ones likely will emerge from the holiday with at least one cavity. 17

10/2

1998

106 Detroit Jewish News

#7) The Torah has been translated
languages.
into more than

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-wnN dsrouo ,97 issnpox.g is.isaueo

(9# LiDnapivaci 'tlsownLlO Isesovv
(s-# ,,6u!uu!6eq
s)(oa9
aft u!„ ilaeLisaiaq (17# 6u!uooe (E#

aisiod (D# vS (

:saaAasuy

Here's An Idea:

* It's traditional to make a flag for
Simchat Torah, then wave it
throughout the evening during the
celebration. But instead of decorat-
ing your flag with the usual designs,
like Stars of David, why not create
I one that shows what is most impor-
tant to you about being Jewish?
* Make your Simchat Torah table
festive by creating placemats for the
„
holiday.
olicl ay. Draw a picture, then take it
to your favorite photocopy store to
be laminated. You can make your
own tablecloth by using water-color
paints on a white sheet. Of course, c
this will wash out, or the colors will
.1 fade and blend if liquid is spilled,
so either plan this tablecloth for a
one-use only dinner or cover with
plastic. El