Sh’mini Atzeret
Welcome! We invite you to discover the warmth and meaning of Sh’mini Atzeret, a special holiday that extends the joy of Sukkot and leads into the celebration of Simchat Torah. Whether you’re observing this holiday for the first time or seeking new ways to appreciate its significance, we’re delighted to share these traditions with you.
One More Day of Joy
The day after Sukkot is known as Sh’mini Atzeret. Jewish tradition teaches that the People of Israel were so joyous on Sukkot that they wanted to have one more day for celebration. Simchat Torah extends the theme of joy for yet another day. In Israel and in liberal Jewish communities throughout the world, Sh’mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day; in more traditional communities, they are observed as two distinct, sequential holidays.
It can be an extra day to enjoy sitting in a Sukkah, or the apex of the Sukkot holiday with special hymns in synagogue while marching with the lulav.
A Prayer for Rain
Sh’mini Atzeret also includes a special prayer for rain. As Californians, we can empathize with the ancient anxiety of having enough rain for another year of crops to survive. The Hebrew word for rain, geshem, is closely tied to the word for physicality, gashmiyut, reminding us how vital water is—nourishing our bodies, sustaining our food systems, and supporting our planet’s overall health. According to Jewish tradition, the rainy season should last from Shmini Artzeret through Pesach!
Learn More
We hope this season inspires you to find deeper connections, share in communal celebrations, and embrace the abundance of our natural world. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our upcoming programs, please reach out. We look forward to celebrating together!
Looking for additional insights on Sh’mini Atzeret, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah?