Related reading: Hallel for Printing, PDF and Explanation and Printable Birkat Hamazon: PDF and Explanation.

Second Hakafot, or Hakafot Shniyot, are a custom of rejoicing with the Torah scrolls on the night after Simchat Torah, once the festival has ended. In Israel, they are held in many synagogues, community squares, public spaces and symbolic places such as the Western Wall. This page includes a clear explanation, a practical printable/PDF outline, a child-friendly version FAQ a Sukkot and Simchat Torah quiz idea.

The page is designed for families, teachers, youth leaders, synagogue teams and communities looking for short, accessible content before the event. It is not a substitute for a siddur, machzor, halachic ruling or local community custom.

In Brief: What Are Second Hakafot?

Second Hakafot are a continuation of the joy of Simchat Torah after the festival has ended. Torah scrolls are brought out, the community circles the bimah or the center of the event, and people sing and dance in honor of the Torah. Because the custom takes place after Yom Tov has ended, many communities include live music and musical instruments.

In Israel, the custom carries an added meaning: when the festival has already ended in Israel, Jewish communities in the Diaspora are still celebrating Simchat Torah. Second Hakafot therefore also express a bond with the Torah joy of Jews around the world.

When Are Second Hakafot Held?

Second Hakafot are usually held on the night after Simchat Torah, after the festival has ended. In Israel, Simchat Torah is celebrated on 22 Tishrei together with Shemini Atzeret, so Second Hakafot are held that night. Outside Israel, where Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed on two separate days, communities should follow their local calendar and custom.

For a community printable, leave space for local details:

Detail to Fill InWhat to Write
Hebrew dateNight after Simchat Torah, after the festival ends
TimeAccording to the synagogue or community notice
PlaceSynagogue, community plaza or public venue
What to bringComfortable shoes, water for children, flags or quiz cards
Safety noteKeep a respectful distance from Torah scrolls and supervise children

What Happens at Second Hakafot?

The order varies by community, but it usually includes a few simple stages:

  1. The community gathers after the festival has ended.
  2. Torah scrolls are taken from the ark or brought to the center of the event.
  3. Hakafot are held with singing and dancing.
  4. Verses, piyyutim or short Torah thoughts may be included according to custom.
  5. Children and families are included in a respectful and safe way.
  6. The event closes with joy, gratitude and a sense of new beginning after the Tishrei holidays.

For an original content page, it is best to explain the custom and structure without printing full hakafot texts, piyyutim, blessings or translations unless the source, version and license have been reviewed.

Why Are They Called "Second"?

The word "second" does not mean the joy is less important. It means that the hakafot are held again, after the hakafot of Simchat Torah itself. In Israel, there is also a beautiful bridge to Jews outside Israel, who are celebrating Simchat Torah at that same time.

For children, you can say: "On the festival we danced with the Torah. After the festival ends, we dance again so the joy can continue and reach more people."

Printable Second Hakafot Page

A good Second Hakafot printable should be short, clear and ready to use at an event. It does not need to replace a siddur. It should help participants understand what is happening, why it matters, and how children and families can take part.

Suggested Title

Second Hakafot: Continuing the Joy of Torah

Short Opening for the Page

Second Hakafot are held on the night after Simchat Torah, once the festival has ended. Torah scrolls are brought out, people sing and dance, and the joy of completing and beginning the Torah continues. In Israel, the custom also connects with the joy of Diaspora communities, where Simchat Torah is celebrated on the second festival day.

Recommended Page Structure

Printable Quiz Card

Question: When are Second Hakafot usually held?

Answer: On the night after Simchat Torah, once the festival has ended.

Second Hakafot for Children

You can explain it like this:

On Simchat Torah we rejoiced with the Torah. At Second Hakafot, we continue that joy a little longer, after the festival has ended. We dance with the Torah scrolls to remember that the Torah does not stay only on a shelf or in the ark. It comes with us home, to school, to family and into the new year.

A short family or classroom activity:

  1. Each child receives one word card: Torah, joy, beginning, question, family, Jerusalem.
  2. During the singing, each child thinks about how their word connects to Torah.
  3. After the hakafot, hold a short round: "My word reminds me that..."
  4. End with one question for the new year: what do I want to learn or ask this year?

How to Include Second Hakafot in a Family or Community Event

A community can make Second Hakafot both joyful and well organized:

Event NeedPractical Solution
Children get tired quicklyPrepare water, flags and short quiz cards
Participants do not know the customOpen with a one-minute explanation
The community wants to honor the Torah scrolls properlyAppoint responsible adults for carrying scrolls and guiding dance circles
The event needs more than musicAdd a short quiz about V'Zot HaBerachah, Genesis and Simchat Torah
A PDF is neededPrint one page only: explanation, order, activity and quiz question

Sukkot and Simchat Torah Quiz Idea

Create a game round called "Keep the Circle Going." Participants receive concepts and sort them into three circles: completing the Torah, beginning again, and communal joy.

Sample concepts:

Suggested CTA: Open a Sukkot quiz and add a "Second Hakafot" round: identify what belongs to completing the Torah, what belongs to beginning again, and how a circle of dancing becomes a good question for the year ahead.

FAQ

Are Second Hakafot obligatory?

Second Hakafot are a widespread community custom, especially in Israel, rather than a uniform prayer service in every community. Participants should follow their local custom and event schedule.

When exactly do they begin?

Only after the festival has ended. The exact time depends on local festival-ending times and community planning. A printable page should leave space for the local hour.

Why is music used?

Because Second Hakafot are held after Yom Tov has ended, many communities include music and instruments to increase the joy and make clear that the festival has already ended.

Can children participate?

Yes. In many communities this is a very family-friendly event. It is important to keep children safe, maintain respect around the Torah scrolls, and follow local instructions.

What is the difference between Simchat Torah hakafot and Second Hakafot?

Simchat Torah hakafot are held during the festival itself according to community custom. Second Hakafot are held after the festival ends, as a continuation of Torah joy and often as a bond with Jewish communities outside Israel.

Does the full hakafot text need to be printed?

Not necessarily. A community can publish an original educational page with explanation, order, activity FAQ and quiz. Full verses, piyyutim and blessings should be reviewed for source, version and licensing.

Are Second Hakafot connected to the Western Wall?

Second Hakafot are held in many communities, and in various years large events have also been held at the Western Wall with Torah scrolls and singing. If a specific event is mentioned, verify the year, time and details with the official source.