Simhat Torah

Fifty years on, Israel repeats previous mistakes leading to the October 7 massacre - opinion

From 1973 to 2023, the same intelligence blind spots persist, raising urgent questions about reform.

Members of the Agranat Commission investigate the military’s failures in the prelude to the Yom Kippur War.
An illustrative image of a man reaching for medicine in a medicine cabinet.

Miracle in the medicine cabinet: A Simchat Torah story of healing and joy - opinion

PEOPLE MARK the conclusion of Simchat Torah at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv last week, even as the clock continues to tick, still awaiting the return of hostages killed in captivity in Gaza. Simchat Torah was a mix of emotions this year, the writer notes.

Going it alone: Israel’s healing won’t come from the world—it must come from within - opinion

Einav Zangauker at celebrations at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as negotiators sign deal freeing all hostages from Gaza, October 09, 2025.

Beyond the headlines: What the freed hostages teach us about Jewish resilience - opinion


The Herzogs host displaced youth ahead of Simhat Torah - opinion

Herzog, who has taken a particular interest in the hostages, mentions them at every opportunity, and did so  when concluding his session with the youngsters.

 President Herzog and his wife Michal in a Q&A session with displacwd youth.

On Simchat Torah, we dance because we refuse to let the darkness win - opinion

How can we dance again? It’s not just a question for Simchat Torah; it’s a question for every moment we face after loss, after tragedy, after the world splits wide open.

 An illustrative image of Jews celebrating with Torah scrolls on Simchat Torah.

Simchat Torah: Celebration vs. Mourning


Finding joy in Simchat Torah amid Israel’s struggles post-October 7 – opinion

Many are grappling with how to celebrate the holidays amid Israel’s many struggles, but Simcha Torah brings a message of hope and strength.

 MEN CARRY Torah scrolls as they dance at the completion of Simchat Torah, at the Western Wall, in 2022. The writer asks: How can we be happy this Simchat Torah?

Rabbis discuss Simchat Torah and unity in polarized, post-Oct. 7 Jewish society

The Jerusalem Post Podcast with Aaron Reich and Tal Spungin.

 Jews mark the end of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah and the beginning of the next cycle, on Simchat Torah, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

Simchat Torah: Using joy to overcome pain

Psychological theory offers some important understanding of how we can approach this year’s Simchat Torah.

 An illustrative image of emotions.

DateNight AI hosts pre-Simchat Torah speed dating event

6,000 participants, 2,500+ initial matches resulted from DateNight AI’s previous speed-dating event. A pre-Simchat Torah event offers another opportunity to pair up.

 A young couple on a date at the restaurant.

How will the Jewish people celebrate Simchat Torah this year?

Will Jews dance this year on Simchat Torah? To answer this question, the Magazine interviewed several people in diverse situations; their responses varied.

 Jews are seen celebrating Simchat Torah at the Western Wall.

After our repentance on Yom Kippur, will God repent for October 7? - opinion

What was God doing as the residents of Beeri were being BBQ'd alive? Why was the Almighty passive as Shani Louk was paraded unconscious and naked — and then decapitated? 

Family members of October 7 victims grieve over loved ones' deaths at the site of the Nova music festival a year after the Hamas massacre.

We must dance again on Simchat Torah - opinion

If Jews in the midst of battle in Sinai, persecuted by the Soviets in Moscow, or surrounded by death at Auschwitz celebrated Simchat Torah despite it all, then we too can – and must!

 An illustrative image of Jews celebrating with Torah scrolls on Simchat Torah.