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What do Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah celebrate?

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Circular diagram of the Jewish religious year showing Hebrew months around the outer ring and Gregorian months inside, with major holidays and fasts such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Passover, and Purim labeled with their dates. — Jewish religious year The months and holidays of the Jewish religious year.

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are distinct but often overlapping observances within the Jewish religious year.

Shemini Atzeret

Meaning "Eighth Day of the Solemn Assembly," Shemini Atzeret is considered an independent holiday that immediately follows the seven-day festival of Sukkot. Historically, while Sukkot involved sacrifices for all humanity, the eighth day featured a single ram and bullock, symbolizing the unique relationship between the Israelites and God. Today, observances include the recitation of the Yizkor memorial prayer and a special prayer for rain.12

Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah, which means "Rejoicing in the Torah," celebrates the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the immediate commencement of a new one. This practice symbolizes the importance and joy of continuous study. Festivities are marked by joyful processions, dancing with Torah scrolls, and reading the final portion of Deuteronomy followed by the beginning of Genesis.3

In Israel and among Reform congregations, these holidays are observed concurrently on 22 Tishri. In Conservative and Orthodox communities outside of Israel, Shemini Atzeret is a two-day festival, with Simchat Torah observed on the second day.132