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So, you're sitting there, lulav in hand, eyeing your Sukkah on Shemini Atzeret , and wondering: Should I still be using these? You're not alone. The question of whether to sit in the Sukkah or take up the lulav on Shemini Atzeret has puzzled Jews in the diaspora for centuries. Let’s break it down and shed some light on what might seem like contradictory practices.
Shemini Atzeret: Why Two Days of Yom Tov Again?
Ah, the joys of Galut (exile) Jewry! While our friends in Israel wrap up their holidays in neat little packages, we get an extra day of Pesach, Shavuot, and, of course, Sukkot. Why? It all goes back to ancient times when our ancestors weren’t sure whether the new moon was sighted on the 29th or 30th day of the month (which will ultimately decide when Yom Tov is). To cover all bases, they kept two days of Yom Tov. Now, thanks to our fixed calendar, we know exactly when holidays begin, but the tradition of two-day Yom Tov lives on. It’s like the Jewish version of “better safe than sorry.”
The Lulav Dilemma: What’s the Deal?
While you might be tempted to wave your lulav on Shemini Atzeret like it’s still Sukkot, the Gemara says, hold up! The Rabbis decided that taking the lulav on Shemini Atzeret could confuse people. After all, Shemini Atzeret is a separate holiday with its own unique vibes, and waving around the lulav might make folks think we’re stuck on celebrating Sukkot. There’s also the whole muktza (don’t-touch-that-on-Yom-Tov) issue to consider. So, long story short – leave the lulav at home.
Sitting in the Sukkah – Yay or Nay?
Now, you can sit in the Sukkah on Shemini Atzeret, but there’s a catch: no blessing this time. Why? Because eating outside on a nice day is, well, normal. You don’t need a specific mitzvah to enjoy a good meal in a hut. The Rabbis decided that sitting in the Sukkah doesn’t scream “I’m not sure if it’s still Sukkot” in the same way waving a lulav does. So, bring out the Sukkah snacks & meals, but hold off on making a blessing .
But What About Chassidim?
Here’s where things get interesting. While many Chassidic Jews eat only snacks in the Sukkah on Shemini Atzeret, others take it a step further and skip the Sukkah altogether. This might seem like a curveball, but there’s a good reason for it. The Sefat Emet (a famous Chassidic sage) suggests that the Gemara doesn’t obligate us to eat in the Sukkah on Shemini Atzeret. Instead, it just permits it – so it’s up to you if you still want to eat al fresco on Shemini Atzeret!
And then there’s the explanation from Rav Soloveitchik, who compared Shemini Atzeret celebrations to a wedding feast, with the Jewish people and G-d as the bride and groom. According to this view, the intense joy of Shemini Atzeret simply can’t be confined to the Sukkah. It’s all about maximizing celebration, and sometimes that means leaving the hut behind. So, while we might follow different traditions, the message is the same: Shemini Atzeret is special in its own right.
Does Climate Matter?
If you live in a chilly region (looking at you, Lithuania), eating outside on Shemini Atzeret is less about celebrating and more about surviving frostbite. This practical concern led some Rabbis to argue that sitting in the Sukkah during cold weather makes too strong of a statement that “maybe it’s still Sukkot.” For those in warmer climates, though, this reasoning might not apply. If it’s a pleasant day in Florida or California , feel free to enjoy your meal in the Sukkah without worrying about what the neighbors think.
What’s Your Family Minhag?
At the end of the day, different Jewish communities have their own traditions when it comes to Shemini Atzeret. Whether you r family goes all out with meals in the Sukkah or you’re following the Chassidic custom of celebrating indoors, it’s important to respect those traditions. And if you’re traveling to Israel for Shemini Atzeret? Well, that’s a whole different story! Depending on who you ask, you might not have to sit in the Sukkah at all.
Wrapping Things Up
As Rav Soloveitchik once explained with a smile, when we celebrate Shemini Atzeret, we don’t just circle the Torah during Hoshanot – we’re circling G-d Himself! So whether you’re inside or outside the Sukkah, the main thing is to embrace the joy of the day and celebrate with enthusiasm. After all, Shemini Atzeret is about stepping out of Sukkot’s shadow and enjoying the holiday in its own special way.
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