Rain and the Torah Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

Shemini Atzeret is a holiday where prayers for rain are recited. These prayers mark the beginning of the rainy season in Israel. It is often considered part of Sukkot's practices and prayers are still recited in the Sukkah, but the lulav and etrog are no longer shaken and the blessing for dwelling in the Sukkah is no longer recited.

Simchat Torah is also often looped in with Sukkot. It is a festive time where the Torah portions start over once again. It is celebrated by taking Torah scrolls out of the Ark and taking them in seven circles while singing. It is a very upbeat and happy holiday.