Upon the conclusion of Simhat Torah, Havdala is recited over a cup of wine. The wording of this Havdala is identical to that of the conclusion of Shabbat, but without the blessings over the candle and the spices, unless it is a Saturday night. The introductory verses before Havdala are also not recited if it is not Saturday night. The blessing over the wine: “…who creates the fruit of the vine,” is directly followed by the blessing of: “…who distinguishes between the sacred and the mundane.”

In many communities in Israel, it is customary to conduct an additional set of hakafot after the conclusion of Simhat Torah. The source of this custom is from the Arizal. These are called hakafot sheniyot, “second hakafot.” Since these hakafot take place after the festival has ended, they are often performed with musical accompaniment. In certain places the hakafot are held outside the synagogue, in public squares and the like, in order to enable the participation of a large and diverse crowd. Another reason for this custom is to identify with Jewish communities outside Israel, which are celebrating Simhat Torah on this night.

The day after a festival is called Isru Hag, based on the verse: “Bind the festival offering [isru hag] with cords, and from there to the horns of the altar” (Psalms 118:27). This is homiletically interpreted to mean: Tie (connect) the days of the festival to the weekdays that follow it. This day has a slightly festive nature, and it is customary to rejoice or to embellish one’s meals slightly in its honor.

Further reading: To read about the deeper significance of Rosh Hodesh, see A Concise Guide to Mahshava, p. 41.