Preparations for the observance of Simhat Torah in Israel tonight were in full swing today.
The main streets of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities and towns were colorfully decorated as religious Jews prepared for the customary dancing in the streets while bearing Torah scrolls.
Synagogues had busily acquired quantities of sweets for distribution to children. Black robed Hassidim and skull-capped members of religious youth organizations prepared for their traditional dances in the main thoroughfares, while holding Torah scrolls and singing in unison.
In many collective settlements, usually considered non-religious, preparations also were under way for Simhat Torah observances and services.
(While Orthodox and Conservative Jews elsewhere throughout the world celebrate Shmini Atzeret tonight and tomorrow, and Simhat Torah tomorrow night and Friday, Jews in Israel celebrate both holidays tonight and tomorrow only.)
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
