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In Israel this is a one day holiday, and the two themes mentioned above (and explained below) are celebrated on the same day. Outside of Israel this holiday is a two day holiday, the first day known as "Shmini Atzeret", the second day known as "Simchat Torah".
See "When are Sukkot and Simchat Torah?"
Shmini Atzeret:
Its origins: The Torah says "…On the eighth day [following the onset of Sukkot], it shall be a holy occasion for you, and you shall bring a fire offering to the L-rd. It is a [day of] detention. You shall not perform any work of labor."3
Its meaning: "[G-d says:] ‘I have detained you [to remain] with Me.’ This is analogous to a king who invited his sons to feast with him for a certain number of days, and when the time came for them to leave, he said: ‘My sons! Please, stay with me just one more day, [for] it is difficult for me to part with you!’ [Similarly, after the seven days of Sukkot, G-d "detains" Israel for one extra holiday.]"4
See "How is Shmini Atzeret celebrated?"
Simchat Torah:
Its origins: The obligatory observance of the day following Shemini Atzeret is the same as any two day Holiday out side of Israel, However, the unique name and special practices associated with Simchat Torah are not mentioned in the Torah nor the Talmud. Nevertheless, this is one of the most joyous occasions on the Jewish calendar.
Its meaning: It is the day we celebrate the annual cycle of the Torah readings. G-d gave us the Torah, and we gave him this aspect of the holiday.
Every Shabbat of the year we read one Torah Portion, and on Simchat Torah we read the last portion, V’zot Haberacha, then immediately begin the first portion, Breishit. This accomplishment produces tremendous joy which is highlighted through Hakafot, special dances in honor of this occasion.
See "How is Simchat Torah celebrated?"
Footnotes
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