Simchat Torah begins at sundown

Simchat Torah is a joyful feast that marks the end of the old Torah reading cycle and the beginning of a new cycle. All the synagogue’s Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and are carried around the sanctuary in a series of seven hakafot (circuits).

Although each hakafa need only encompass one circuit around the synagogue, the dancing and singing with the Torah often continues much longer and may overflow from the synagogue onto the streets.