Simchat Torah

The Jewish News of Northern California

Rabbi Amanda Russell chants the opening lines of the Torah as an entire scroll is unrolled during the Simchat Torah celebration at Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco on Oct. 14. (David A.M. Wilensky/J. Staff)

Simchat Torah: ‘I need to dance with some Jews ASAP’

by David A.M. Wilensky October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

For all its talk of the Book of Life, Yom Kippur has nothing on Simchat Torah when it comes to turning the page. We literally roll this one long page […]

Thousands gather at Hostage Square to celebrate the return of the hostages, October 13, 2025. (JTA/Miriam Alster/Flash90)

Israel

All 20 living hostages are back in Israel

by Philissa Cramer October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

close up of a Berkeley sweatshirt with a yellow ribbon pin and a "Bring Them Home" dog tag worn over it

Religion

Letting go: Jews retire hostage rituals with gratitude and grief

by Andrew Silow-Carroll October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

a middle-aged man and two kids hang paper chains under a wooden sukkah

High Holidays

Family events for Sukkot and Simchat Torah around the Bay Area

by Rahel Knight September 22, 2025September 30, 2025

Dinner in Cantor David Frommer’s sukkah in his San Francsico home, Oct. 10, 2017. (David A.M. Wilensky/J. Staff)

Torah

This year, we need more than a sukkah to protect us

by Rabbi Amy Eilberg October 16, 2024October 16, 2024

A sign decorated with a rainbow reads: everyone in our sukkah is a holy guest"

Holidays

Where to celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah around the Bay Area

by J. Staff October 9, 2024October 10, 2024

No-Bake Vegan Millionaire Squares (Photo/Faith Kramer)

Simchat Torah

No-bake ‘millionaire’ bars are a rich treat for a sweet Simchat Torah

by Faith Kramer October 13, 2022October 13, 2022

Adam and Eve as depicted in the Escorial Beatus, a 10th-century illuminated manuscript.

Torah

Adam and Eve and the problem of loneliness

by Rabbi Joey Felsen October 16, 2020October 16, 2020

a close up of a woman in a white shirt with her hand over her heart

The Matzo Chronicles

My pandemic U-turn: Fortified, organized, full of gratitude

by Karen Galatz August 12, 2020August 18, 2020

Recipe

Try these rolled-up phyllo treats as we roll the Torah back to the beginning

by Faith Kramer October 21, 2019