Simchat Torah

[Anonymous]

I wanted to know if Simchat Torah is considered a big holiday in the Jewish religion. I am looking to plan an event on October 11th, but noticed it is also Simchat Torah. The event would be from 12 -3. Should I try to avoid holding an event on this day (we have a good amount of Jewish people who would be invited to come).

[Anonymous]

It is one of the minor major holidays for Jews. If your a RH/YK jew, not a big deal. If you’re observant, you’ll take the day off. This is one of those know your audience situations.

It’s very nice of you to be this considerate.

[Anonymous]

It’s not a top 3 like Passover, Yom Kippur, or Rosh Hashana, but it’s the next tier — still a major holiday. If you have anyone observant on the guest list they will not be able to make your event.

But to be clear, Jewish holidays start at sundown. So if your event is October 11 in the morning it’s fine.

[Anonymous]

thanks for asking.

I agree with everyone above.

[Anonymous]

Very nice question. Just in case OP isn’t familiar with customs, signs that someone is “observant” would be things like wearing a kippah (yarmulke/skullcap), not working or taking calls etc on Saturday (Shabbat/Sabbath), eating kosher, going to an Orthodox or Modern Orthodox synagogue or some Conservative synagogues. If your friends do these things, there’s a chance they would be going to synagogue for Simchat Torah.

It’s a fun holiday with a mini parade indoors and lots of singing and dancing. It’s often a family thing, the kind of event people attend when they’re trying to raise their kids with religious traditions.

In terms of importance, I would equate it to approximately like Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, or Advent. Something people do if they do religious stuff regularly, but not something most people go out of the way for like Easter. HTH!

[Anonymous]

OP, what a thoughtful person you are. I hope your event turns out very well.

[Anonymous]

OP — I just realized your post said the event is Oct 11 12-3:00. So you will be fine. Simchat Torah starts at approximately 6:00pm in the DC area on that date (based on sundown times)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But to be clear, Jewish holidays start at sundown. So if your event is October 11 in the morning it’s fine.

Simchat Torah is on the calendar for Sunday, October 11. It starts Saturday night, October 10. So morning or afternoon of October 11 is smack during Simchat Torah.

[Anonymous]

I’m not a Jew