Raise Your Flag. Claim Your Joy.

Based on the centuries-old tradition of waving joyous flags to celebrate the start of the new Torah cycle, we invite you to celebrate Simchat Torah with flags designed by eight inspiring Jewish artists.

A Simchat Torah banner from the 1950s depicting Israeli children. From the National Library Collections

For hundreds of years, Jews have danced on Simchat Torah with flags in hand, a tradition that reaches back to the Twelve Tribes of Israel each gathering in the desert beneath their own distinct banner. Starting in 16th-century Eastern Europe, clever communities found a way to include even their youngest in the festivities; some children even waved with an apple atop their flagpole! Over the years Simchat Torah flags have changed to reflect the values of their time. Some show kibbutzim, for example, while others feature images of Moses, Aaron, and even Herzl.  

Today, around the world, Jews dance, sing, and circle the Torah, celebrating something radical: we’ve finished reading the Torah, and immediately begin again. Because if our tradition has taught us anything, it’s this: joy is serious business.

https://blog.nli.org.il/en/simchat-torah-flags/5

We at the Simchat Torah Challenge were inspired by this historical tradition, and wanted to bring it to our participants for this holiday season. So now, for Simchat Torah, you can get in on the fun! Here’s how:

Contemporary Jewish Artist Flags

First, we asked eight contemporary Jewish artists to make modern takes on this historic holiday tradition. Browse their flags below!

Sign Up to Simchat Torah Challenge

Next, sign up to Simchat Torah Challenge to receive our printable collection with all eight artist’s flags, both in full color and coloring book form. Customize a flag for yourself–or all eight!

Simchat Torah Challenge Community Flags

And don’t miss our collection of Simchat Torah Challenge community flags, with participants from all around the world joining in on the holiday fun. If you’re feeling inspired, add your own!

Browse the Gallery:Simchat Torah Flags

We proudly present 8 bold takes on Simchat Torah flags, created by inspiring Jewish artists from around the world. Be inspired, feel their joy, and then download and customize them to make them your own!

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Get Your Own Simchat Torah Flag

See a flag that inspires you? Sign up to the Simchat Torah Challenge below to receive the printable collection with all eight artist’s flags in full color and coloring book form.