We all know about Sukkot and Simchat Torah But what exactly is Shmini Atzeret all about? I know we pray for rain but what is the significance of the day?

Hi, Thanks for this great question. This is actually a question that so many people ask and very few know the answer to. The best answers can be found on Aish.com and Torah.org. (follow those links to the articles).

I will tell you that there is amazing power on this day. During Rosh Hashana we are judged, then we have 10 days in which to analyze who we have been and then ask for forgiveness on Yom Kippur. Then, we have Succos, which tells us that we can now go out of our homes and spend some time in G-d’s house. The pinnacle of that is at the end when we no longer need a Succah to relate to Hashem, but rather we are given a “spiritual Succah” that enables us to be close with Our Creator for that last day when He says to us, “Stay with Me for one more day and I will be with you.”

Enjoy reading the articles.

Be Well,
Rabbi Litt