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On Shemini Atzeret ("The Assembly of the Eighth Day"),
Jews complete the annual reading of the Torah on this
eighth day after the start of Sukkot.
Shemini Atzeret marks the start of the rainy season in
Israel. Therefore, people recite the Tefillat Geshem
(the Prayer for Rain) for the first time of the year (this
prayer is then recited every day until Passover). In Israel
(and by most Reform Jews), Shemini Atzeret is on the same
day as Simchat
Torah. Everywhere else, it takes place the day before
Simchat Torah (meaning observance this year begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 19th, 2011).
Shemini Atzeret is separate from Sukkot, therefore the
special Sukkot observances are not followed on this day.
Consequently, Jews eat food inside the house on the holiday
and not outside, as done on Sukkot. Because it is a holiday,
work is not permitted in traditional Jewish households.
On Shemini Atzeret, it is customary to light candles,
say the Kiddush blessing over the wine, recite the blessings
over the bread and the handwashing and say the Birkat
HaMazon prayer at the conclusion of the meal. Also,
a memorial Yahrzeit candle is lit for each family member
that has passed away.
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