I often joke that we have two kinds of Jewish holidays.

There are the kinds that most people know about (like Yom Kippur).

Then there are the kinds that nobody – outside of the Jewish world – has heard of…

Enter Shemini Atzeret.

When asked “what is the meaning behind Yom Kippur?” we can probably respond pretty quickly.

But when asked “What’s Shemini Atzeret about?”, there may be a pause…

Let’s pause for a moment now, because this is a question worth asking.

The holiday of Sukkot is extended to have this special day. While Sukkot has a number of specific mitzvahs for the holiday, Shemini Atzeret does not.

A beautiful midrash explains why we extend Sukkot by adding Shemini Atzeret.

The midrash imagines G-d as a king, whose children have been visiting. They have been having quality time together. G-d pleads with them to stay one more day, saying “It’s hard on me when you leave”.

We have just spent 7 special days with G-d. In the Sukkah, as we look up at the stars and enjoy the natural beauty of G-d’s world, we can feel a special closeness with Him. 

We don’t want to let that go so easily…

G-d asks us to stay one more day – just to enjoy being together. Because he loves us that much.

Let’s accept His invitation. And let’s not forget the closeness we have acquired.

May we feel G-d’s closeness and love this Shemi Atzeret…and let’s stay in touch with Him throughout the year.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,

Danielle Altonaga and the JET Team