These two holidays are commonly thought of as part of Sukkot, but that is technically incorrect; Shemini Atzeret is a holiday in its own right and does not involve some of the special observances of Sukkot. We do not take up the lulav and etrog on these days, and our dwelling in the sukkah is more limited, and performed without reciting a blessing.

Shemini Atzeret literally means "the assembly of the eighth (day)." Rabbinic literature explains the holiday this way: our Creator is like a host, who invites us as visitors for a limited time, but when the time comes for us to leave, He has enjoyed himself so much that He asks us to stay another day. Another related explanation: Sukkot is a holiday intended for all of mankind, but when Sukkot is over, the Creator invites the Jewish people to stay for an extra day, for a more intimate celebration.

Simchat Torah means "Rejoicing in the Torah." This holiday marks the completion of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings. Each week in synagogue we publicly read a few chapters from the Torah, starting with Genesis Chapter 1 and working our way around to Deuteronomy 34. On Simchat Torah, we read the last Torah portion, then proceed immediately to the first chapter of Genesis, reminding us that the Torah is a circle, and never ends.
 
This completion of the readings is a time of great celebration. There are processions around the synagogue carrying Torah scrolls and plenty of high-spirited singing and dancing in the synagogue with the Torahs. In addition, as many people as possible are given the honor of carrying a Torah scroll in these processions.

 This conference will host a unique blend of Jewish communal professionals and leaders, and will focus on the 'Big Questions' pertaining to poverty in the Jewish community, as well as address specific issues such as the challenges of the Elderly, Housing & Food Security and living with Mental Illness. There will be an exciting array of opening and closing speakers as well as panels of experts in their fields, and discussions of best practices, advocacy and planning for the future.

An early bird registration of $195 is being offered. 

 
Alpert Jewish Family & Children's Service just received a grant from the Herbert Bearman Foundation to bring Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to the Jewish and senior communities of Palm Beach County that they serve.  MHFA is an evidenced based program that has been taught to more than 150,000 people in the US since 2008. The funding will allow Alpert JFCS to obtain national training certification, and then implement the program for individuals in their community. 

Much like medical First Aid and CPR, the goal of Mental Health First Aid is to create a community knowledgeable in responding to potential mental health crises, and getting help early, when indicated.  MHFA is designed to destigmatize mental illness, and mitigate against the isolation and despair that often accompany severe and persistent mental illness, and too often, contributes to a worsening of symptoms, up to and including suicidal behavior.