Thousands Celebrate Hakafot Shniyot Across Israel Following Simchat Torah
Thousands across Israel celebrated Hakafot Shniyot after Simchat Torah, with crowded events in Sderot, Tel Aviv, and the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
Thousands of revellers took to the streets, community squares, and synagogues across the country to mark the traditional Hakafot Shniyot celebrations immediately following the conclusion of Simchat Torah. Public squares and halls filled rapidly as Torah scrolls were carried on shoulders amidst widespread singing and dancing.
At a major central event in Sderot, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Mayor Alon Davidi were seen dancing alongside members of the public. Due to the overwhelming crowds and extreme congestion, police requested that organizers conclude the event earlier than planned to ensure public safety. Shortly afterwards, Minister Smotrich traveled directly from Sderot to another major celebration at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile, the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem witnessed deeply moving scenes as thousands of worshippers and visitors from across Israeli society gathered to hold Torah scrolls and dance for hours.
Originating in the Diaspora communities as an extension of Simchat Torah, the Hakafot Shniyot tradition has evolved in Israel into a widespread symbol of national joy. Beyond the music and dancing, the holiday marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the immediate restart of Genesis, serving as a powerful reminder of renewal, hope, and the Jewish people's deep-rooted connection to their heritage.
