Shemini Atzeret presents a unique conundrum to the Jewish celebrator. On Pesach, we commemorate the exodus, Shavuot the giving of the Torah, Sukkot the security given to us in the desert. The pattern is clear – our holidays have themes and, more often than not, halachic representations of these themes. This brings us to Shemini Atzeret, a yom tov that, for all intents and purposes, lacks any celebratory theme. Yes, this author is aware it is Simchat Torah. Indeed, a visit to any shul on this day, which marks the completion of the yearly cycle of Torah reading, would be to enter a party in full blast. If we look to the Torah, it is clear there is no Biblical commandment, or even reference, to such a celebration of Simchat Torah; after all, the very institution of Kriyat HaTorah was the brainchild of Moshe. At the very least, the blueprint of the day is Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah somehow emerges from this. Before throwing down this article in disgust – is he trying to ruin our Simchat Torah??? – let’s try and determine what we are actually celebrating on Shemini Atzeret.

The format of this yom tov is summed up in the term “atzeret”, loosely translated as a stop. The Torah (Bamidbar 29:35), when discussing Shemini Azteret, offers both the standard prohibition of melachot and the unique set of korbanot to be brought. When discussing the holidays in a more thematic manner (Vayikra 23:36), the term “atzeret” appears as well, easily overlooked among the various verses listed there concerning the holiday of Sukkot. That is about all the detail we get – there is no theme or specific halachic requirements mentioned. We know as well from the Torah Shebeal Peh that Shemini Atzeret is its own yom tov, not related to Sukkot except for its immediate proximity (exemplified in the prohibition to sit in the Sukkah).

Rashi (ibid) offers a Midrashic explanation, comparing our celebration of the holidays to a king who invites his sons to eat meals with him over a series of days. Once the time comes for the sons to exit, the king asks for them to stay just one more day, as it is difficult for the king to have his sons leave. According to Rashi, this is the meaning of atzeret. What point is Rashi trying to express?

Another reference of this holiday can be found in the story of the dedication of the Beit Hamikdash by Shlomo Hamelech (Melachim I 9:66). After an intense, 14 day celebration, Shlomo sends the Jewish people home. The day of their dismissal was Shemini Atzeret. The people, in response to Shlomo’s dictate, offer a special bracha to Shlomo. However, in the other version of this story (Divrei Hayamim II 7:10), the people are dismissed on the 23rd of the month, which would be the day after Shemini Azteret. The Malbim, among others, explains that they stayed around on Shemini Atzeret to offer this bracha, and then returned home on the 23rd .

One common theme found in both of the above explanations is the avoidance of an abrupt exit. According to Rashi, we cannot simply leave the experience of yom tov. God “requests” one more day, a chance for the Jewish people to further their worship. Moreover, the Jewish people linger for one more day after the dedication of the Beit Hamikdash. What was the purpose of this “extra day”? As we know, the holiday of Sukkot brings an end to the festive cycle of the Shalosh Regalim. Each of the holidays in this cycle has its own theme which reflects the unique relationship God has with the Jewish people. However, it would appear that a separate holiday to celebrate the institution of these Shalosh Regalim was needed. On this day, no specific theme exists, no unique commandment. It is simply a day of simcha, of happiness at the opportunity we have to serve and thank God through the various Shalosh Regalim. Sukkot is defined by simcha as well, as we say “chag simchateinu” on both Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. However, Sukkot depends on various vehicles to assist in producing this state of mind, such as the Simchat Beit Hashoeva. Shemini Azteret is simply simcha in and of itself. It could be that the intense nature of simcha that defines this day serves as the stepping stone for the celebration of Simchat Torah, known for its sheer joy and happiness. Regardless, the idea of staying just a bit longer in this state of simcha is the core concept of Shemini Atzeret. So yes, we should be excited to bring out the sfirei Torah, to dance with them and read from them. But let’s not forget why this unique day exists to begin with, bringing our simcha to an even higher level. Chag Sameach.