In Israel Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are combined in one day. On Shemini Atzeret we pray for rain. We also recite the Yizkor prayer. Simchat Torah marks the end of the annual cycle of the Torah reading, and the new cycle starts with the reading of the first chapter of Genesis. Hakafot, a procession with the Torah scrolls, is the mark of the day.
Special attention is given to children, who join the celebrations with flags and singing.
The rededication of the Temple in 165 B.C.E. by Judah Maccabee, three years after its desecration by the Syrians, institutes the Eight Day Festival of Chanukah. A miracle happened and the oil burned for eight days. Hence on the eight day holiday candles are lit, one on the first night, two on the second night, and so on until eight are lit on the last night. Chanukah is a joyous holiday. It is the New Year of the trees.