Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret are one day. Outside the Land of Israel, however, where all Festivals are observed for two days, they are separate. The first day is reserved for the joy of the Festival and for the prayers for rain, while the second day is reserved for the celebration of the conclusion of the cycle of reading from the Torah...
In Israel, where Simchat Torah is not celebrated on a separate day - since all Festivals are observed for a single day, the customs of Simchat Torah are observed together with those of Shemini Atzeret.
Simchat Torah comes on the last day of the festivities. At this time the last portion of the Torah is read, and since we never finish the Torah reading, we begin the reading from the very beginning again to show the Torah is beloved to us like a "new command to which everyone runs".
Click on link below to read full article.
http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/4583/jewish/About-Simchat-Torah.htm
I came across a list of 32 songs traditionally sung during Hakafot. The list contains the lyrics as well as an audio recording of each song. Perhaps you would like to check it out before Simchat Torah.
http://www.jewishpathways.com/simchat-torah-1
Not sure which brochos to recite when you light the candles?
Click here for info.
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