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.
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 Ch. 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.
Chocolate is perfect way to celebrate this holiday, with depictions
of Torah scrolls to dance and celebrate with.