Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are two Jewish holidays that are celebrated at the end Sukkot. In Israel they are both celebrated on the same day – the 22nd day of the month Tishri, the 8th day after the first day of Sukkot. Outside of Israel Simchat Torah is generally celebrated the day after Shemini Atzeret. Shemini Atzeret falls on the day after Sukkot ends and is sometimes called The Last Great Day, so they are connected, but also separate. This allows for an extra day to celebrate Love and God. Simchat Torah is a day to celebrate the Torah. Readings are generally held in synagogues for people to listen and join in.