In Israel, both Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah fall on the 22nd of Tishrei (usually sometime in October), but outside of Israel, Shemini Atzeret is held on the 22nd and 23rd of Tishrei, with Simchat Torah falling on the second day.

Shemini Atzeret literally means "the assembly of the eighth (day)" and rabbinic tradition teaches that on this day God judges the world for water and rainfall for the upcoming year. Thus, special prayers asking for rain are recited on this day.

The holiday is also said to highlight the special relationship God has with the Jewish people.

Simchat Torah, which means "Joy of the Torah," marks the annual completion of all the weekly readings of the Torah. On this day, Jews gather in synagogues to read the last portion of the Torah, Deuteronomy 34, and then they proceed directly to Genesis 1, as a reminder that the Torah is a never-ending cycle.

During Simchat Torah celebrations, participants join processions during which they dance and sing while carrying the Torah scrolls.