Editing Simchat torah (section)

==== Second Hakafot ====
[[File:הקפות שניות כפר חבד.jpg|thumb|Second Hakafot at Beit Menachem Synagogue in Kfar Chabad]]
'''Extended topic – Second Hakafot'''

Second Hakafot is an Eretz Yisrael custom based on the practice of the Arizal, according to which at the conclusion of Simchat Torah, another round of Hakafot with Torah scrolls accompanied by singing and dancing with musical instruments is performed. When the Arizal lived in Tzfat, he would visit synagogues that delayed finishing their prayers on the night after Simchat Torah and conducted seven Hakafot in each of them.

Based on this practice, the kabbalistic circles customarily conducted second Hakafot at the end of the holiday, taking out Torah scrolls after reciting the verses of "Atah Hareita" with all the details of customs as they conduct the Hakafot on the first night. Later, the custom spread to additional synagogues in Jerusalem and other communities and cities.

Over the years, several reasons were given for conducting these Hakafot, whether to participate with Jews outside of Israel in their celebrations which begin at this time when for them it is the night of Simchat Torah (since outside of Israel the holiday lasts two days), or because after the holiday ends it is permitted to play musical instruments and people can gather from more distant places to rejoice together in the joy of the Torah in a manner of "In the multitude of people is the king's glory."

The Rebbe expanded and established this custom in Chabad communities in Eretz Yisrael, and exceptionally deviated from his regular practice of not writing during Chol HaMoed, sending special telegrams during Chol HaMoed of Sukkot to participants in the Second Hakafot.

Every year, a central "Second Hakafot" ceremony is held at the Beit Menachem Synagogue in Kfar Chabad, attended by thousands of Jews from all segments of society, with government officials, politicians, and public figures honoring the event with their presence.