Special Days

77: Resting on Shemini Atzeres

"On the eighth day you shall have a holy day..." (Vayikra 23:35)

The last day of Sukkos (two days in chutz la'aretz) is also a day of rest, called Shemini Atzeres. This is actually a separate holiday from Sukkos and we no longer say the berachah when we eat in the sukkah on this day. It is also referred to as "zeman simchaseinu," the time of our joy, and it is when our joy is at its peak.

We also conclude the yearly cycle of the Torah reading on this day, and it is therefore known as Simchas Torah. Simchas Torah is the ninth day of the festival in chutz la'aretz, while in Eretz Yisrael it is celebrated on the eighth day. We dance in circles (hakafos) around the bimah in celebration of our conclusion of the Torah.

Text Copyright © 2008 by Rabbi Moshe Goldberger and Torah.org.