JEWISH EAST END OF LONDON PHOTO GALLERY & COMMENTARY

London's East End Synagogues, cemeteries and more......

My personal journey through the Jewish East End of London

 

Back to Jewish East End of London home page Back to to Jewish East End of London site index Below are some scenes from the wonderful  festival of Simchat Torah at Fieldgate Street Great Synagogue - 7 October 2004/22 Tishrei 5765 SIMCHAT TORAH occurs on the 22nd day of the Jewish month of Tishrei: The words 'Simchat Torah' mean 'Rejoicing in the Law'. The festival marks the completion and recommencement of the Torah reading cycle for the year. The last portion of Deuteronomy  (5th book of the Torah) and the first portion of Genesis (1st book of the Torah) are read.  Simchat Torah is a very joyful occasion.  The scrolls are taken from the Ark and paraded round the synagogue 7 times - often accompanied by flag waving, dancing and a L'chayim (drink) or two!!  It is traditional for the congregation to appoint two Bridegrooms of the Law - one is called Chatan Torah and the other is called Chatan Bereshit.  To be appointed a Bridegroom of the Law is a great honour.  To spend Simchat Torah at Fieldgate Street Great Synagogue is an experience to savour. Simchat Torah at Fieldgate Street Great Synagogue in 2004 was wonderful - be there next year!! Simchat Torah is one of the most joyful of Jewish festivals with singing, dancing, eating and drinking The scrolls are paraded.... ...and paraded... ...and paraded... ...A Fieldgate Street regular... ....another Fieldgate Street regular! Jack (on the left holding the scroll) has been a member of Fieldgate Street for many years Simchat Torah early 1950's - in the days when Louise Blumenthal was the cantor