Shemini Atzeret
Encyclopedia
Shemini Atzeret is a Jewish holiday. It is celebrated on the 22nd day of the Hebrew month
of Tishrei
. In the Diaspora
, an additional day is celebrated, the second day being separately referred to as Simchat Torah
. In Israel
, as well as in Reform Judaism
, the holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are combined into a single day and the names are used interchangeably.
, which occupies the seven preceding days. To some extent this is true. At the same time, to a great degree it is not.
The Talmud
, in Tractate Sukkah
48a, describes Shemini Atzeret with the words "a holiday in its own right" with respect to six specific halakhic
(Jewish law) issues. The six issues are abbreviated as פז"ר קש"ב:
Just below this discussion, the Mishnah
(at Sukkah 48a or at Mishnah Sukkah 4:7) describes Shemini Atzeret as (yom tov aḥaron shel ḥag, final holiday of the Festival [of Sukkot]). The context here is that the Sukkot obligations of שמחה (simcha, joy) and recitation of הלל (Hallel)
last eight days. With respect to these two obligations, Shemini Atzeret is part of Sukkot. This is why one of Sukkot's liturgical aliases, (zman simḥatenu, "Time of Our Happiness,") continues to be used to describe Shemini Atzeret (and by extension Simchat Torah) in prayers. Indeed, the biblical name of the holiday, Shemini Atzeret, is a clear reference to the fact that it falls on the eighth day, counting from the first day of Sukkot.
This dual nature of Shemini Atzeret (both part of Sukkot and apart from it) is reflected in the observances and customs of the day(s).
The Vilna Gaon
, commenting there, notes that the commandment to rejoice over the seven days of Sukkot is stated twice in this paragraph of the Torah. In that context, he wonders what the further purpose of "v'hayyita akh sameaḥ" is, especially as akh is normally used as a restricting word. He introduces the notion that just as one rejoices during the seven days with sukkah, lulav and etrog, so one rejoices equally on Shemini Atzeret, even (the restriction) without using sukkah, lulav and etrog on that day.
In Israel, as well as in Reform congregations, Shemini Atzeret is observed for one day. In other communities outside Israel, Shemini Atzeret is observed for two days. The Simchat Torah celebration, rabbinic
and customary in origin, is deferred to the second day, when all agree there is no obligation of sukkah.
The prevalent custom is that one eats in the sukkah on the eighth day, but without reciting the berakhah
. However, one does not sleep in the sukkah on the eighth day, nor does one use the lulav and etrog on the eighth day. There are two parallel sets of explanation for this.
Concerning eating in the sukkah, there are variations sometimes seen. The minhag
(custom) of some is to make Kiddush
in the Sukkah on Shemini Atzeret, but to eat the main meal inside. Others eat the evening meal of Shemini Atzeret indoors but the day meal outdoors. Each of these approaches addresses aspects of the dual nature of Shemini Atzeret.
Finally, there are some (mostly Chassidic or otherwise heavily influenced by Kabbalah) who eat indoors entirely on Shemini Atzeret, notwithstanding the Gemara's final ruling to the contrary.
Hebrew calendar
The Hebrew calendar , or Jewish calendar, is a lunisolar calendar used today predominantly for Jewish religious observances. It determines the dates for Jewish holidays and the appropriate public reading of Torah portions, yahrzeits , and daily Psalm reading, among many ceremonial uses...
of Tishrei
Tishrei
Tishrei or Tishri , Tiberian: ; from Akkadian "Beginning", from "To begin") is the first month of the civil year and the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year in the Hebrew calendar. The name of the month is Babylonian. It is an autumn month of 30 days...
. In the Diaspora
Jewish diaspora
The Jewish diaspora is the English term used to describe the Galut גלות , or 'exile', of the Jews from the region of the Kingdom of Judah and Roman Iudaea and later emigration from wider Eretz Israel....
, an additional day is celebrated, the second day being separately referred to as Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah or Simḥath Torah is a celebration marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle...
. In Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, as well as in Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism refers to various beliefs, practices and organizations associated with the Reform Jewish movement in North America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. In general, it maintains that Judaism and Jewish traditions should be modernized and should be compatible with participation in the...
, the holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are combined into a single day and the names are used interchangeably.
Relationship to Sukkot
Shemini Atzeret is often referred to as the eighth day of the Festival of SukkotSukkot
Sukkot is a Biblical holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei . It is one of the three biblically mandated festivals Shalosh regalim on which Hebrews were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.The holiday lasts seven days...
, which occupies the seven preceding days. To some extent this is true. At the same time, to a great degree it is not.
The Talmud
Talmud
The Talmud is a central text of mainstream Judaism. It takes the form of a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history....
, in Tractate Sukkah
Sukkah (Talmud)
Sukkah is a book of the Mishnah and Talmud. It is the sixth volume in the Order of Moed. Sukkah deals primarily with laws relating to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot...
48a, describes Shemini Atzeret with the words "a holiday in its own right" with respect to six specific halakhic
Halakha
Halakha — also transliterated Halocho , or Halacha — is the collective body of Jewish law, including biblical law and later talmudic and rabbinic law, as well as customs and traditions.Judaism classically draws no distinction in its laws between religious and ostensibly non-religious life; Jewish...
(Jewish law) issues. The six issues are abbreviated as פז"ר קש"ב:
- Lottery : During the year, the twenty-four priestly watches or divisionsPriestly divisionsThe priestly divisions or sacerdotal courses are ritual work groups in Judaism originally formed during the reign of King David in the 10th century BCE as documented in the biblical passage of 1 Chronicles 24. These priests were all descendants of Aaron, known also as Aaronites. Aaron had four...
rotated through responsibility for conducting the Temple services, one week per watch. During most of the festivals, all twenty-four watches were present and available, and drew lots to determine which group would conduct the services on a given day. Because very large quantities of offerings were brought during the seven days of Sukkot, all twenty-four watches participated and divided the work each day. However, on Shemini Atzeret, lots were drawn as on all other festivals. - Blessing over day : Recitation of the SheheḥeyanuShehecheyanuThe Shehecheyanu blessing is a common Jewish prayer said to celebrate special occasions. It is said to be thankful for new and unusual experiences. The blessing has been recited by Jews for nearly 2000 years...
blessing as on the first day (Diaspora: two days) of all other festivals. This differs from Passover (Pesach)PassoverPassover is a Jewish holiday and festival. It commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt...
, where the last day (Diaspora: last two days) is/are considered part of the same festival. - Pilgrimage Festival : Description of day as regel bifnei atzmo, as described above. RashiRashiShlomo Yitzhaki , or in Latin Salomon Isaacides, and today generally known by the acronym Rashi , was a medieval French rabbi famed as the author of a comprehensive commentary on the Talmud, as well as a comprehensive commentary on the Tanakh...
at Sukkah 48a states that this specifically means (a) that one does not dwell in the sukkahSukkahA sukkah is a temporary hut constructed for use during the week-long Jewish festival of Sukkot. It is topped with branches and often well decorated with autumnal, harvest or Judaic themes...
on Shemini Atzeret and (b) that one does not describe the day as "Sukkot" during one's prayers. - Temple offering (קרבן)KorbanThe term offering as found in the Hebrew Bible in relation to the worship of Ancient Israel is mainly represented by the Hebrew noun korban whether for an animal or other offering...
: On the seven days of Sukkot, the additional (מוסף) offerings included 2 rams and 14 lambs each day, along with a series of 70 bulls in decreasing numbers over the week. On Shemini Atzeret, the offering included one ram, seven lambs and a single bull. - Song : There are some differing views on this, but a prominent one is that this refers to the Shir Shel Yom (psalm of the day)Shir Shel YomShir Shel Yom , meaning "'song' [i.e. Psalm] of [the] day [of the week]" consists of one psalm recited daily at the end of the Jewish morning prayer services known as shacharit...
recited by the LevitesLeviteIn Jewish tradition, a Levite is a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi. When Joshua led the Israelites into the land of Canaan, the Levites were the only Israelite tribe that received cities but were not allowed to be landowners "because the Lord the God of Israel himself is their inheritance"...
in the Temple. Those of Sukkot refer to agricultural gifts to the poor required to be separated from the crops by Sukkot; that of Shemini Atzeret is entirely different. - Blessing : Rashi (quoting ToseftaToseftaThe Tosefta is a compilation of the Jewish oral law from the period of the Mishnah.-Overview:...
) says that this refers to the blessing the people gave King Solomon at the dedication of the First Temple. Rabbeinu ḤananelChananel Ben ChushielChananel ben Chushiel or Ḥananel ben Ḥushiel , an eleventh-century Tunisian Rabbi and Talmudist, was a student of one of the last Geonim. He is best known for his commentary on the Talmud. Chananel is often referred to as Rabbeinu Chananel - Hebrew for "our teacher, Chananel" .-Biography:"Rabbeinu...
says this refers to not describing the day as "Sukkot," similar to what Rashi says at regel (see #3 above).
Just below this discussion, the Mishnah
Mishnah
The Mishnah or Mishna is the first major written redaction of the Jewish oral traditions called the "Oral Torah". It is also the first major work of Rabbinic Judaism. It was redacted c...
(at Sukkah 48a or at Mishnah Sukkah 4:7) describes Shemini Atzeret as (yom tov aḥaron shel ḥag, final holiday of the Festival [of Sukkot]). The context here is that the Sukkot obligations of שמחה (simcha, joy) and recitation of הלל (Hallel)
Hallel
Hallel is a Jewish prayer—a verbatim recitation from Psalms 113–118, which is used for praise and thanksgiving that is recited by observant Jews on Jewish holidays.-Holy days:...
last eight days. With respect to these two obligations, Shemini Atzeret is part of Sukkot. This is why one of Sukkot's liturgical aliases, (zman simḥatenu, "Time of Our Happiness,") continues to be used to describe Shemini Atzeret (and by extension Simchat Torah) in prayers. Indeed, the biblical name of the holiday, Shemini Atzeret, is a clear reference to the fact that it falls on the eighth day, counting from the first day of Sukkot.
This dual nature of Shemini Atzeret (both part of Sukkot and apart from it) is reflected in the observances and customs of the day(s).
Observances and Customs
The Torah says little directly about Shemini Atzeret beyond its date (relative to Sukkot) and its restrictions on work (same as on other Festival days). The Talmud describes happiness and recitation of Hallel as the two obligations of Sukkot that carry over to Shemini Atzeret. As a proof text, at least in regard to Shemini Atzeret evening, the Gemara brings the text at Deuteronomy 16:15: "" ("v'hayyita akh sameaḥ", "and you shall be completely happy").The Vilna Gaon
Vilna Gaon
Elijah ben Shlomo Zalman Kramer, known as the Vilna Gaon or Elijah of Vilna and simply by his Hebrew acronym Gra or Elijah Ben Solomon, , was a Talmudist, halachist, kabbalist, and the foremost leader of non-hasidic Jewry of the past few centuries...
, commenting there, notes that the commandment to rejoice over the seven days of Sukkot is stated twice in this paragraph of the Torah. In that context, he wonders what the further purpose of "v'hayyita akh sameaḥ" is, especially as akh is normally used as a restricting word. He introduces the notion that just as one rejoices during the seven days with sukkah, lulav and etrog, so one rejoices equally on Shemini Atzeret, even (the restriction) without using sukkah, lulav and etrog on that day.
Simchat Torah
Separately, the cycle of completing an annual public reading of the Torah through weekly Torah portions concludes at this time of the year. Given a day mandated for seasonal rejoicing (Shemini Atzeret) with no specific obligations as to the focus of the rejoicing (such as sukkah, lulav or etrog), it is not surprising that the celebration of the conclusion of the annual reading was absorbed into the celebration of Shemini Atzeret. The Simchat Torah celebration is now the most distinctive feature of this festival–so much so that in Israel, where Shemini Atzeret lasts only one day, it is more common to refer to the day as "Simchat Torah" than as "Shemini Atzeret."In Israel, as well as in Reform congregations, Shemini Atzeret is observed for one day. In other communities outside Israel, Shemini Atzeret is observed for two days. The Simchat Torah celebration, rabbinic
Rabbinic Judaism
Rabbinic Judaism or Rabbinism has been the mainstream form of Judaism since the 6th century CE, after the codification of the Talmud...
and customary in origin, is deferred to the second day, when all agree there is no obligation of sukkah.
Carryover of Sukkot Observances
In Israel and in Reform Judaism, none of the unique observances of Sukkot (sukkah, lulav and etrog) carry over to Shemini Atzeret. Elsewhere, however, there is still a further question to reconcile–one that is has proved very difficult and problematic over time, going all the way back to the Gemara:- Shemini Atzeret is a holiday in its own right, without sukkah, lulav and etrog. At the same time,
- Outside Israel, by rabbinic decree one day is added to all holidays. Thus, just as Passover is described in the Torah as a seven-day holiday but is observed for eight outside of Israel, so Sukkot is described in the Torah as a seven-day holiday but is observed for eight outside of Israel.
The prevalent custom is that one eats in the sukkah on the eighth day, but without reciting the berakhah
Berakhah
In Judaism, a berakhah, bracha, brokhe is a blessing, usually recited at a specific moment during a ceremony or other activity. The function of a berakhah is to acknowledge God as the source of all blessing...
. However, one does not sleep in the sukkah on the eighth day, nor does one use the lulav and etrog on the eighth day. There are two parallel sets of explanation for this.
- Torah vs. Rabbinic Law. Dwelling in the sukkah is a Torah requirement during the seven days of Sukkot, while using the lulav and etrog is a (less-stringent) Rabbinical requirement after the first day of Sukkot. Because the eighth day is added to the seven because of doubt, the stringent, Torah requirement (sukkah) is continued into the eighth day, while the less-stringent, Rabbinical requirement (lulav and etrog) is not.
- Honoring the Festival Day : With very few exceptions, the second day of any Festival is to be observed exactly like the first. The previous reasoning seems to work contrary to this rule; otherwise, the eighth day should be treated just as if it were the seventh day (or, in the language of the Gemara, "shemini safek shevi'i" . But because Shemini Atzeret is also a holiday in its own right, certain things which should happen on the seventh day (ḥol hamoed)Chol HaMoedChol HaMoed, a Hebrew phrase meaning "weekdays [of] the festival" , refers to the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot. During Chol HaMoed the usual restrictions that apply to the Biblical Jewish holidays are relaxed, but not entirely eliminated...
are not permitted on Shemini Atzeret. While the analysis is sometimes involved, the general practice is that anything that is permitted on yom tov and does not impinge on Shemini Atzeret carries over to Shemini Atzeret.- Lulav and Etrog. The lulav and etrog are muktzahMuktzahMuktza is a Hebrew word that means "separated", or "set aside." The generally accepted view regarding these items is that they may be touched though not moved during Shabbat or Yom Tov , some extend this prohibition to the actual handling of these items...
; that is, one may not move them on a holiday where they are not needed). If someone sees a neighbor on the street with a lulav and etrog on the eighth day, the rabbis reason, s/he might mistakenly assume that it is still the seventh day (ḥol hamoed), when the lulav and etrog are still needed. S/he might then violate prohibitions of the yom tov of the eighth day. For that reason, the rabbis ruled that one should not use a lulav and etrog on the eighth day, even outside of Israel. - Sleeping in the sukkah brings a similar discussion. Additionally, most people would prefer to sleep indoors at this point in the year due to the weather, so sleeping in the sukkah oneself may impinge on one's own joy during the festival. This is why the rabbis ruled that one does not sleep in the sukkah on Shemini Atzeret, even outside of Israel.
- Eating in the sukkah does not cause a parallel problem because many people simply enjoy eating in a sukkah. Seeing someone eating in a sukkah does not per se lead one to assume it is still ḥol hamoed in the same way. Likewise, eating in the sukkah oneself does not per se impinge on one's own celebration of Shemini Atzeret. Therefore, the prevalent practice is to eat in the sukkah on Shemini Azeret outside of Israel. However, one does not say the berakhah for sitting in a sukkah, as reciting it does "impinge" on the unique status of Shemini Atzeret.
- Lulav and Etrog. The lulav and etrog are muktzah
Concerning eating in the sukkah, there are variations sometimes seen. The minhag
Minhag
Minhag is an accepted tradition or group of traditions in Judaism. A related concept, Nusach , refers to the traditional order and form of the prayers...
(custom) of some is to make Kiddush
Kiddush
Kiddush , literally, "sanctification," is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the Shabbat and Jewish holidays.-Significance:...
in the Sukkah on Shemini Atzeret, but to eat the main meal inside. Others eat the evening meal of Shemini Atzeret indoors but the day meal outdoors. Each of these approaches addresses aspects of the dual nature of Shemini Atzeret.
Finally, there are some (mostly Chassidic or otherwise heavily influenced by Kabbalah) who eat indoors entirely on Shemini Atzeret, notwithstanding the Gemara's final ruling to the contrary.
In synagogue
- Psalm 27, which is recited twice daily starting at the beginning of ElulElulElul is the twelfth month of the Jewish civil year and the sixth month of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. It is a summer month of 29 days...
, continues to be recited on Shemini Atzeret outside of Israel. - Kohelet ' onMouseout='HidePop("55132")' href="/topics/Ecclesiastes">EcclesiastesEcclesiastesThe Book of Ecclesiastes, called , is a book of the Hebrew Bible. The English name derives from the Greek translation of the Hebrew title.The main speaker in the book, identified by the name or title Qoheleth , introduces himself as "son of David, king in Jerusalem." The work consists of personal...
), is read in Ashkenazi synagogues on the SabbathSabbathSabbath in Christianity is a weekly day of rest or religious observance, derived from the Biblical Sabbath.Seventh-day Sabbath observance, i.e. resting from labor from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, is practiced by seventh-day Sabbatarians...
of Sukkot. When Shemini Atzeret falls on Shabbat, Kohelet is read on that day outside of Israel. (In Israel, it would have been read on the first day of Sukkot, which would also have been on Shabbat.) - Torah and HaftarahHaftarahThe haftarah or haftoroh is a series of selections from the books of Nevi'im of the Hebrew Bible that is publicly read in synagogue as part of Jewish religious practice...
Readings: The Torah reading is Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17. This is the same reading as on the Final Day of Passover and Second Day of ShavuotShavuotThe festival of is a Jewish holiday that occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan ....
. The full length of the reading is included even on non-Sabbath days because the reading refers to separation of agricultural gifts (like tithes and terumah), which are due at this time of the year. The Haftarah describes the people's blessing of King Solomon at the end of the dedication of the First Temple.
Other
- Tefillat GeshemGeshemGeshem is one of the Hebrew words for "rain," applied mostly to the heavy rains which occur in Israel in the fall and winter. This half of the year is called in the Mishnah "yemot ha-geshamin"...
(Rain Prayer). Israel's agriculture depends heavily on rains that come only seasonally, so Jewish prayers for rain are prominent during Israel's rainy (winter) half of the year. The rainy season starts just after the fall Jewish holidays. Because of that, and because the sukkah (and, by extension, pleasant weather) is no longer required on Shemini Atzeret, Jews begin to ask for rain starting with the Musaf AmidahAmidahThe Amidah , also called the Shmoneh Esreh , is the central prayer of the Jewish liturgy. This prayer, among others, is found in the siddur, the traditional Jewish prayer book...
prayer of Shemini Atzeret. This prayer is recited in a traditional, distinctive, plaintive melody during the cantor's repetition of the Amidah. In most synagogues, the cantorHazzanA hazzan or chazzan is a Jewish cantor, a musician trained in the vocal arts who helps lead the congregation in songful prayer.There are many rules relating to how a cantor should lead services, but the idea of a cantor as a paid professional does not exist in classical rabbinic sources...
is clad in a white kittelKittelright|180pxA kittel, also spelled kitl, coat’) is a white robe which serves as a burial shroud for male Jews. It is also worn on special occasions by Ashkenazi Jews. In western Europe this garment is called a Sargenes. The word Sargenes is related to the Old French Serge as well as Latin Serica...
, a symbol of pietyPietyIn spiritual terminology, piety is a virtue that can mean religious devotion, spirituality, or a combination of both. A common element in most conceptions of piety is humility.- Etymology :...
, owing to the vitality of a positive judgement for rain. A brief mention of rain continues to be inserted in the Amidah until Passover. - The Yizkor memorial service is also recited in Ashkenazi synagogues on this day.