Dancing with The Torah | Episode #138

Dancing with The Torah | Episode #138

September 22, 2026 · 53 min

What exactly is Simchat Torah—and where did it come from?

In this episode, Ryan Nall and Joseph Dumond examine the history behind Simchat Torah and its relationship to Shemini Atzeret, the biblical “Eighth Day” commanded in Leviticus 23.

The Torah commands an eighth-day sacred assembly following the seven days of Sukkot, but the modern celebration of Simchat Torah centers on completing the annual Torah-reading cycle with Deuteronomy and immediately beginning again with Genesis 1:1. How did these traditions become connected?

We trace the discussion from the biblical commands concerning Shemini Atzeret through the destruction of the Second Temple, the development of the Mishnah and later rabbinic tradition, and the emergence of customs associated with Simchat Torah.

Along the way, we also tackle a fascinating calendar question: What does Ezekiel mean when he says his vision occurred “at the beginning of the year” (Ezekiel 40:1)? Does the Hebrew expression Rosh HaShanah prove that Tishri was already regarded as the beginning of the year in Ezekiel’s time—or are later interpretations being read back into the text?

We examine:

• Shemini Atzeret in Leviticus 23

• What Simchat Torah actually celebrates

• The annual Torah-reading cycle

• When Simchat Torah developed

• The Mishnah and the development of rabbinic tradition

• The meaning of “Rosh HaShanah” in Ezekiel 40:1

• Aviv/Nisan versus Tishri as the “beginning of the year”

• How later Jewish traditions became associated with the biblical fall festivals

Was Simchat Torah practiced in the days of Yeshua? Is it part of the biblical command for Shemini Atzeret, or is it a later tradition attached to the Eighth Day?

Join us as we dig into Scripture and history and follow the development of these traditions from the biblical period forward.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share to help others discover these important discussions on faith, Israel, and biblical truth.

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