Simchat Torah ( Ashkenazi Simhath Torah) – the most jubilant day in the Jewish calendar. Translated from Hebrew it means “Rejoicing of the Torah”. is a celebration marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle, thus symbolizing the Torah’s eternal nature. Anyone willing can be summoned to read the Torah this day. The worshipers dance with the scriptures in synagogues and have festive meals. The celebration was particularly popular among the Jews in the Soviet Union.