What does "Simchat Torah" celebrate in Halacha?

Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. This joyous occasion marks the end of the yearly cycle of readings from the Torah and the beginning of a new cycle, as congregations conclude the last sections of Deuteronomy and immediately begin again with Genesis. This signifies not just the end of a cycle, but also the continuous nature of Torah learning within Jewish life.

During Simchat Torah, it is customary to take the Torah scrolls out of the Aron Kodesh (the ark) and parade them around the synagogue, accompanied by singing and dancing. This public celebration reflects the deep love and appreciation for the Torah, emphasizing its centrality in Jewish practice and identity.

The other options reference important events in Jewish tradition but do not pertain to what Simchat Torah specifically celebrates. The start of a new year is observed during Rosh Hashanah, the giving of the Torah at Sinai is commemorated during Shavuot, and the harvest festival refers to Sukkot. Each of these occasions has its own distinct significance within the Jewish calendar, but none capture the essence of Simchat Torah as a celebration of the Torah reading cycle.