Simchas Torah with Chabad LES
October 2 to 4, 2026 | 21 to 23 Tishrei
After a month of prayer, reflection, and meals in the Sukkah, we close out the holiday season the way it's meant to end: dancing with the Torah. Join us on the Lower East Side for festive services, Yizkor, Hakafos, and a whole lot of joy. Kids, families, friends, and first-timers are all welcome.
Hoshana Rabbah & Erev Shemini Atzeres
10:00 to 11:15 AM
Hoshana Rabbah Morning Services
6:18 PM
Candle Lighting
6:25 PM
Evening Services
7:20 PM
Kiddush & Hakafos
The first night of dancing with the Torah.
Shemini Atzeres
10:00 AM
Morning Services
11:30 AM
Yizkor Memorial Service
A time to remember the souls of our loved ones, followed by the Special Prayer for Rain. You can make a donation in their honor before the holiday.
Honor Your Loved Ones6:25 PM
Mincha Services
After 7:15 PM
Candle Lighting
Light from a pre-existing flame.
7:45 PM
Grand Hakafos
Dancing with the Torah. Followed by the Grand Simchas Torah Kiddush with hot food and drinks, and more Hakafos into the night.
Simchas Torah
10:00 AM Sharp
Morning Services
11:00 AM
Simchas Torah Kiddush
Followed by special Hakafos and the Completion of the Torah. All men receive Aliyos, with Mincha to follow.
7:13 PM
Holiday Ends
Finishing the Torah, and Starting Again
Every week of the year we read a portion of the Torah. On Simchas Torah we reach the last words of Deuteronomy, and without pausing, we roll right back to the first words of Genesis. The Torah never really ends. There is always more to learn.
Shemini Atzeres, the day before, is a holiday of its own. We still eat in the Sukkah and we say Yizkor for our loved ones. Then, as night falls, the Torah scrolls come out of the Ark and the celebration begins. No experience needed. If you can walk in a circle, you can do Hakafos.