Parashat: Shemini Atzeret

On the eighth day you shall hold a solemn gathering; you shall not work at your occupations. You shall present a burnt offering, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to G-d… (Numbers 29:35-36a)

Shemini Atzeret, the “Eighth Day Festival” which coincides with this Shabbat follows not only the seven days of Sukkot, but the High Holy Days of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur which dominated not only the first ten days of this month of Tishrei, but (at least around the synagogue) months of preparation. And now comes the “Eighth Day Festival,” which not only has little specific said about it, but actually noticeably quiets down the fancy sacrifices that the Torah calls for on each of the days of Sukkot. What to make of this? I recently heard it compared to the “after party” with G-d. Things were crazy for a while and we really went over the top! Now, as most of the people have filtered out, we can sit on the couch with a few close friends, bask in the afterglow of so much fun, and just breathe for one last holy moment. Chag Sameach – May this Festival bring us (quiet) joy!

~Rabbi Craig Axler