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Who are the “Chatanim?”
First of all, “Chatanim” is the plural of “Chatan,” which means bridegroom. This word befits the occasion, for the Jewish People on this day is expressing its love for the Torah and for its Author.
Why is the plural used? How many bridegrooms are needed at a wedding?
In this case, there are at least two. The term merely symbolizes love, and it is possible to love many aspects of the Torah. The two most important chatanim on Simchat Torah are the “Chatan Torah,” the Bridegroom of the (End of the) Torah and the “Chatan Bereshit,” the bridegroom of the (Beginning of the) Torah.