YA Eco Mysteries, Memoirs, Novels & Travel
Torah Dedication Ceremony
24/11/11 09:15 Filed in: Historical Novels
Torah Odyssey and Jewish Historical Fiction
Introduction of a Sefer Torah into a synagogue is done in a ceremony known as Hachnasat Sefer Torah (Hebrew: הכנסת ספר תורה, lit., ushering in the Torah scroll), which is often accompanied by celebratory dancing, singing, and a festive meal.
Introduction of a Sefer Torah into a synagogue is done in a ceremony known as Hachnasat Sefer Torah (Hebrew: הכנסת ספר תורה, lit., ushering in the Torah scroll), which is often accompanied by celebratory dancing, singing, and a festive meal.
The dedication of a new Torah scroll is traditionally celebrated with great festivity. The Torah, carried under a chupah (canopy), is paraded through the local streets to the synagogue in a grand procession complete with music, singing and dancing. As the procession nears the synagogue, the chazzan (cantor) approached the Holy Ark and proclaims: "Torah scrolls, on behalf of the holy congregation that prays in this synagogue, you are requested to come and greet the Torah. The Ark is opened and all the Torah scrolls therein are brought out to greet the new Torah. This is followed by joyous dancing, with the Torahs circling the synagogue's reading table seven times. The Simchat Torah hymn is then sung while the reading table is circled for an eighth round of dancing.