Temple Beth Am of Merrick-Bellmore recently celebrated Simchat Torah, a festival marking the completion of the annual Torah-reading cycle. The Torah, Judaism’s most sacred text, contains the five books of Moses and is the source of the Ten Commandments. Simchat Torah means “rejoicing in the Torah.”

Simchat Torah occurs during the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which is typically mid-September to October, and follows the observance of Sukkot. During the festivities, Torah scrolls are given to each member of the congregation, and they march and dance with the Torah in hand. Temple Beth Am got in on the fun as congregants joyously celebrated the holiday, exuding great community spirit and festive cheer.